July 31
Isaiah 13–17
Series: Read the Bible in a Year
Scripture Text: Isaiah 13:1–17:14
Day 211 of Read the Bible in a Year: Read Isaiah 13–17 in your favorite translation, and solve today's Word Search and jigsaw from today's Scripture.
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Posted in July 2025
The Righteous Man
Reading the Word with Luther
Series: Reading the Word with Luther
Scripture Text: Genesis 6:8–10
Noah is called “just” because he first believed, then “perfect” (“upright”) because he walked in the fear of God and conscientiously avoided sins.
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The Small Catechism – part 235
Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions
Series: Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions
Scripture Text: 1 Corinthians 15:28
I love that Richard Pryor line toward the end of the 1976 movie “Silver Streak” when a gunfight has broken out between the FBI and criminals. Bullets are flying everywhere and Pryor, hunkered down behind a 55-gallon drum, has had enough of the chaos.
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July 30
Isaiah 9–12
Series: Read the Bible in a Year
Scripture Text: Isaiah 9:1–12:6
Day 210 of Read the Bible in a Year: Read Isaiah 9–12 in your favorite translation, and solve today's Word Search and jigsaw from today's Scripture.
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A Friend of Sinners
Reading the Word with Luther
Series: Reading the Word with Luther
Scripture Text: Luke 15:1–2
The religious people were enemies of Christ because of the people Jesus called his friends: sinners who wanted to follow him.
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The Small Catechism – part 234
Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions
Series: Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions
Scripture Text: 1 Corinthians 15:1–4
Belief is the key to readiness. Do you believe that you are a sinner? If you do, then you are almost ready for the table. Do you believe that Jesus died to save sinners?
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Nothing To Do
Reading the Word with Luther
Series: Reading the Word with Luther
Scripture Text: Luke 14:23
When one senses his wretchedness, then is the time to believe in Jesus Christ. There are no other means to save you, save be baptized and believe.
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The Small Catechism – part 233
Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions
Series: Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions
Scripture Text: 1 Peter 1:18–19
I would sit in the pew, trying to decide if I had been good enough in the past week to receive the bread and the wine. Of course, I was not good at all, nor would I ever be good.
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July 29
Isaiah 5–8
Series: Read the Bible in a Year
Scripture Text: Isaiah 5:1–8:22
Day 209 of Read the Bible in a Year: Read Isaiah 5–8 in your favorite translation, and solve today's Word Search and jigsaw from today's Scripture.
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July 28
Isaiah 1–4
Series: Read the Bible in a Year
Scripture Text: Isaiah 1:1–4:6
Day 208 of Read the Bible in a Year: Read Isaiah 1–4 in your favorite translation, and solve today's Word Search and jigsaw from today's Scripture.
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The Small Catechism – part 232
Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions
Series: Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions
Scripture Text: 1 Corinthians 11:27–29
I would sit in the pew, trying to decide if I had been good enough in the past week to receive the bread and the wine. Of course, I was not good at all, nor would I ever be good.
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The Cares of the Church
Reading the Word with Luther
Series: Reading the Word with Luther
Scripture Text: Psalm 46:1–3
"Christians have regard for God’s Word and believe that God cares for them. They commend all things to him and at his word go on with courage."
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July 27
Song of Solomon
Series: Read the Bible in a Year
Scripture Text: Song of Solomon 1:1–8:14
Day 207 of Read the Bible in a Year: Read Song of Songs in your favorite translation, and solve today's Word Search and jigsaw from today's Scripture.
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The Cure for the Conscience
Reading the Word with Luther
Series: Reading the Word with Luther
Scripture Text: John 3:14–15
"Reason argues: You have sinned, you must also atone for your sin. The gospel of Christ says: You have sinned, another must atone for you."
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The Small Catechism – part 231
Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions
Series: Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions
Scripture Text: 2 Corinthians 1:9
The struggle to be righteous is a desperate effort. There have been times when considering my life — my thoughts and actions— I nearly despaired.
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The Golden Age
Reading the Word with Luther
Series: Reading the Word with Luther
Scripture Text: Genesis 7:1
We are in the golden age because we have the light of God’s Word and the sacraments are rightly administered in our churches.
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July 26
Ecclesiastes 9–12
Series: Read the Bible in a Year
Scripture Text: Ecclesiastes 9:1–12:14
Day 206 of Read the Bible in a Year: Read Ecclesiastes 9–12 in your favorite translation, and solve today's Word Search and jigsaw from today's Scripture.
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The Small Catechism – part 230
Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions
Series: Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions
Scripture Text: 2 Corinthians 1:5
How solitary sits the city, how lonely and desolate. This is the lament of Jeremiah over Israel. Jesus grieves similarly over the people because they are without a shepherd.
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The Double Blessing
Reading the Word with Luther
Series: Reading the Word with Luther
Scripture Text: Romans 6:20–23
The service of righteousness in Christ has the double blessing of a clear conscience before God and the rich and incorruptible reward of eternal life.
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The Small Catechism – part 229
Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions
Series: Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions
Scripture Text: Exodus 9:20–21
Be sure you do not get caught out in the field with your cattle. God’s forgiveness is abundantly available—even to pharaohs, even to sinners. Just come in from the storm.
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July 25
Ecclesiastes 5–8
Series: Read the Bible in a Year
Scripture Text: Ecclesiastes 5:1–8:17
Day 205 of Read the Bible in a Year: Read Ecclesiastes 5–8 in your favorite translation, and solve today's Word Search and jigsaw from today's Scripture.
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July 24
Ecclesiastes 1–4
Series: Read the Bible in a Year
Scripture Text: Ecclesiastes 1:1–4:16
Day 204 of Read the Bible in a Year: Read Ecclesiastes 1–4 in your favorite translation, and solve today's Word Search and jigsaw from today's Scripture.
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The Small Catechism – part 228
Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions
Series: Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions
Scripture Text: 2 Corinthians 3:18
Holy Communion is a turning to the Lord, and in it, we behold his glory. Furthermore, the table is a sort of mirror in which we may begin to behold ourselves as God sees us.
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Proof of Faith
Reading the Word with Luther
Series: Reading the Word with Luther
Scripture Text: 1 John 3:13–16
Faith is not an inactive and lifeless thing. When there is faith in the heart, its power will be manifested toward God and one's neighbor.
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July 23
Proverbs 30–31
Series: Read the Bible in a Year
Scripture Text: Proverbs 30:1–31:31
Day 203 of Read the Bible in a Year: Read Proverbs 30–31 in your favorite translation, and solve today's Word Search and jigsaw from today's Scripture.
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The Small Catechism – part 227
Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions
Series: Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions
Scripture Text: 2 Corinthians 2:15–16
What a pleasing fragrance arises to God when his church believes the gospel by eating and drinking in remembrance of Christ Jesus. The aroma of our witness extends horizontally as well.
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The Power of the Resurrection
Reading the Word with Luther
Series: Reading the Word with Luther
Scripture Text: John 20:26–29
It is by the power of the resurrection of Christ that Thomas, and us, who are so deep and obdurate in unbelief, are so suddenly changed.
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July 22
Proverbs 27–29
Series: Read the Bible in a Year
Scripture Text: Proverbs 27:1–29:27
Day 202 of Read the Bible in a Year: Read Proverbs 27–29 in your favorite translation, and solve today's Word Search and jigsaw from today's Scripture.
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The Small Catechism – part 226
Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions
Series: Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions
Scripture Text: Exodus 6:1
The Lord is still driving us out of the land of slavery, not a three-day journey, but a full six days into the wilderness, to feast with the Lord.
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The Heavy Heart
Reading the Word with Luther
Series: Reading the Word with Luther
Scripture Text: John 20:24–25
The most religious person will be lost and condemned if he will not believe. For there is no forgiveness of sins, nor salvation, if one does not believe.
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The Small Catechism – part 225
Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions
Series: Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions
Scripture Text: Exodus 4:30–31
I remember so many Sundays decades ago, when I remained in the pew, trying to decide if I was ready to receive Holy Communion. Was I penitent enough, devoted, pious, holy?
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July 21
Proverbs 24–26
Series: Read the Bible in a Year
Scripture Text: Proverbs 24:1–26:28
Day 201 of Read the Bible in a Year: Read Proverbs 24–26 in your favorite translation, and solve today's Word Search and jigsaw from today's Scripture.
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Preference
Reading the Word with Luther
Series: Reading the Word with Luther
Scripture Text: Luke 14:15–18
We make excuses, preferring many things against the gospel, for we are no better than were the ancient Jews, who also rejected the gospel for the law.
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The Small Catechism – part 224
Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions
Series: Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions
Scripture Text: Mark 9:7
Oh, that we would listen to Jesus. I once knew a brother in a congregation who would walk straight out of church as soon as he had communed.
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Division
Reading the Word with Luther
Series: Reading the Word with Luther
Scripture Text: 1 Corinthians 11:17–21
Wherever the Word of God has a foothold, there the devil will be. He will always build his taverns and kitchens by the side of God’s house.
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July 20
Proverbs 22–23
Series: Read the Bible in a Year
Scripture Text: Proverbs 22:1–23:35
Day 200 of Read the Bible in a Year: Read Proverbs 22–23 in your favorite translation, and solve today's Word Search and jigsaw from today's Scripture.
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July 19
Proverbs 19–21
Series: Read the Bible in a Year
Scripture Text: Proverbs 19:1–21:29
Day 199 of Read the Bible in a Year: Read Proverbs 19–21 in your favorite translation, and solve today's Word Search and jigsaw from today's Scripture.
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The Small Catechism – part 223
Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions
Series: Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions
Scripture Text: 1 Corinthians 12:13
I do not intend for us to understand this verse as being about Holy Communion. Obviously, it is about Baptism. Yet, there is relationship between the Sacraments, at least in Spirit and Word.
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Every Christian
Reading the Word with Luther
Series: Reading the Word with Luther
Scripture Text: John 20:21–23
Jesus sends every Christian to instruct and teach his neighbor, that he may also come to Christ, a power not reserved for popes, bishops, and pastors.
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Being Acceptable to God
Reading the Word with Luther
Series: Reading the Word with Luther
Scripture Text: Luke 16:19–21
"Poverty and suffering make no one acceptable to God; but if he is already acceptable to God, his poverty and suffering are precious in God’s eyes."
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The Small Catechism – part 222
Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions
Series: Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions
Scripture Text: Mark 8:14
One wonders if John Mark wrote this verse with tongue in cheek, or if Peter had told him the story with a wry tone at the memory. The disciples were worried about bread for their bellies, while they had the One Loaf to share as they sailed.
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July 18
Proverbs 16–18
Series: Read the Bible in a Year
Scripture Text: Proverbs 16:1–18:24
Day 198 of Read the Bible in a Year: Read Proverbs 16–18 in your favorite translation, and solve today's Word Search and jigsaw from today's Scripture.
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The Small Catechism – part 221
Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions
Series: Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions
Scripture Text: 1 Corinthians 11:23–26
This is how Jesus established his holy meal, and this is how we pass it down, like Paul, from generation to generation. We receive from the Lord himself, his body and blood — his own precious life — in the elements of bread and wine.
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July 17
Proverbs 13–15
Series: Read the Bible in a Year
Scripture Text: Proverbs 13:1–15:33
Day 197 of Read the Bible in a Year: Read Proverbs 13–15 in your favorite translation, and solve today's Word Search and jigsaw from today's Scripture.
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Dead and Alive
Reading the Word with Luther
Series: Reading the Word with Luther
Scripture Text: Romans 6:6–11
This old man must be crucified, executed, put out of the way, even here in this life. Were he remains in his strength, faith and spirit cannot be.
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July 16
Proverbs 10–12
Series: Read the Bible in a Year
Scripture Text: Proverbs 10:1–12:28
Day 196 of Read the Bible in a Year: Read Proverbs 10–12 in your favorite translation, and solve today's Word Search and jigsaw from today's Scripture.
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Nagging Questions
Reading the Word with Luther
Series: Reading the Word with Luther
Scripture Text: Romans 11:33–34
If you wish to proceed wisely and truly apprehend God, you can do no better than to be interested in his Word where he has revealed himself.
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The Small Catechism – part 220
Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions
Series: Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions
Scripture Text: 1 Corinthians 10:16
When we share in Holy Communion, we are receiving the true body and blood of Jesus Christ. We are not simply receiving bread and wine that we eat in memory of what Christ did for us.
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The Small Catechism – part 219
Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions
Series: Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions
Scripture Text: Mark 6:48–50
Jesus reveals his divine power at times when those in need may apprehend. He speaks to peace of heart, saying, be not afraid, grab some courage. This word is always predicated on the fact that he is present.
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The Small Catechism – part 218
Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions
Series: Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions
Scripture Text: Mark 6:34
Jesus fed people throughout his ministry. A have a feeling that he fed people far more often than Scripture chronicles. The recorded cases were miraculous in nature, a little going a long way.
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The Small Catechism – part 217
Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions
Series: Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions
Scripture Text: 1 Corinthians 8:9
Sometimes, it is when we imagine ourselves most right, that we may be very wrong. In today’s larger reading, Paul discusses Christian freedoms or rights, the liberties and privileges we have in Christ.
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The Small Catechism – part 216
Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions
Series: Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions
Scripture Text: Mark 6:12
The old proclamation of the twelve disciples still has legs. Even now, they go from house to house, urging us to repent. Have we failed God in the light of any of his commandments?
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The Small Catechism – part 215
Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions
Series: Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions
Scripture Text: Mark 5:33–34
Who was this woman, so afflicted that she hemorrhaged for a dozen years? She would have felt unclean and, no doubt, been considered unclean by others.
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The Small Catechism – part 214
Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions
Series: Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions
Scripture Text: Mark 4:39–40
The storms of life howl upon us, and we are frightened. The obvious example, at the moment, is the coronavirus. We shrink before the tempest, yet muster enough courage to rush out and purchase more toilet paper, soap, and sanitizer than we could use in a month of Sundays.
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The Small Catechism – part 213
Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions
Series: Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions
Scripture Text: 1 Corinthians 6:19–20
We are united with the Lord, and by his grace made one spirit with him. Therefore, we should take special care not to sin, as our sins are really sins against the Lord, since we are one with him.
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The Small Catechism – part 212
Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions
Series: Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions
Scripture Text: 1 Corinthians 6:11
Like Joseph’s brothers, we must confess, “In truth we are guilty.” Ours may seem to us lesser or greater crimes. No matter. We are guilty.
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The Small Catechism – part 211
Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions
Series: Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions
Scripture Text: Mark 3:28–29
Is the power of God at work in you? God forbid that it is only talk, just religion. The power of God’s kingdom has accompanying signs. These are not the sort of signs one finds in the world; they are God signs, signals of an unfamiliar power.
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The Small Catechism – part 210
Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions
Series: Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions
Scripture Text: 1 Corinthians 4:20
Is the power of God at work in you? God forbid that it is only talk, just religion. The power of God’s kingdom has accompanying signs. These are not the sort of signs one finds in the world; they are God signs, signals of an unfamiliar power.
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The Small Catechism – part 209
Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions
Series: Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions
Scripture Text: 1 Corinthians 3:18
Sometimes we think that if we try harder and work smarter, we will become good people. Then, a new day dawns and we discover we are still sinners.
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The Small Catechism – part 208
Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions
Series: Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions
Scripture Text: Mark 2:5
Some people have a problem with one person forgiving the sins of another. This is largely because they do not understand whom it is who is actually doing the forgiving.
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The Small Catechism – part 207
Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions
Series: Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions
Scripture Text: Genesis 37:29
Perhaps we can see in Joseph’s escape from the pit, a foreshadowing of Christian baptism. In baptism, God snatches us from death and the evil intentions of the devil — though, indeed, we die in that pit.
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The Small Catechism – part 206
Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions
Series: Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions
Scripture Text: 1 Corinthians 1:30–31
Sanctification or holiness is not something we do. Instead, Christ has become our sanctification. His righteousness is ours through faith. So is his sanctification and redemption.
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The Small Catechism – part 205
Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions
Series: Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions
Scripture Text: Mark 1:8
Paul remarked how thankful he was that he personally baptized only a few, so that personality cults could not rise up around him. I used to think it was Pastor Chu who baptized me at St. Luke’s back in 1955, but then I read his obituary and discovered he was pastor there from 1960 until 1966.
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