Dear reader: This program of Bible readings will bring you into contact with our Lord through His Word as presented by the prophets Moses, Isaiah, Jeremiah, and Ezekiel; by evangelists Matthew, Luke (including Acts), and John; and by Paul’s Epistles to the Roman, Corinthian, and Philippian congregations. Other Scriptures appear in lesser amounts. Sundays are missing from this schedule, as indicated by the line below every sixth date; hymn selections are from The Lutheran Hymnal (CPH, 1941).
May the Lord bless you richly with His Spirit as you contemplate His Word during the year of our Lord 2002.
Date J A N U A R Y Hymn
1 Jerem. 31:10-14 Filled up with blessings 120
2 Num. 6:22-27 God's Trinitarian blessing 50
3 Luke 2:21-24 According to the Law 114
4 Luke 2: 25-35 Jesus for Jews and Gentiles 137
5 Luke 2:36-40 Waiting a lifetime--and well worth it 122
7 Isa. 60:1-6 Like the golden sun ascending? 207
8 Isa. 61:10-62:3 Getting very personal 126
9 John 1:1-18 God's major orchestration 508
10 Matt. 2:1-12 Foolish Herod's sinful Christmas 130
11 Eph. 1:3-12 God's telescopic view... 461
12 Eph. 3:2-12 and His power tools 394
14 Isa. 42:1-7 Someone's here to see you. 132
15 Isa. 43:1-7 We can't help ourselves. 427
16 Luke 3:15-17,21-22 Another chapter in God's book 272
17 Luke 3:23-38 Back to Adam and God... 369
18 Acts 10:34-38 while Jesus works impartially... 342
19 Acts 10:39-44 as Judge and Substitute. 202
21 Isa. 61:1-6 What was Isaiah's target? 48
22 Isa. 63:1-6 God's questions and answers 209
23 Luke 4:1-13 "Jesus, why are You so self-sacrificing?" 381
24 Luke 4:14-20 Jesus was on target. 74
25 1 Cor. 12:1-11 Diverse gifts for His Church... 229
26 1 Cor. 12:12-31 as headquarters directs us. 236
28 Jerem. 1:4-10 It is God's work to create life. 489
29 Exodus 4:10-17 Our limitations = God's opportunities 485
30 Luke 4:21-32 What makes a Jew upset? 361
31 Luke 4:33-44 He has better things to do. 339
Date F E B R U A R Y Hymn
1 I Cor. 13:1-13 The best method is God's method... 530
2 I Cor. 14:1-12 for you and for others. 360
4 Isa. 6:1-8 Primary: see and hear God! 249
5 Isa. 6:9-13 Elementary: pay attention! 16
6 Matt. 13:10-17 Our first blessing is Jesus! 487
7 Luke 5:1-11 Going fishing? 410
8 1 Cor. 14:13-19 Be thoughtful about others. 464
9 1 Cor. 14:26-40 Yielding to one another is orderly. 477
11 Deut. 34 Moses' pilgrimage was ended. 287
12 Luke 9:28-36 Moses spoke of Jesus' death. 135
13 Ash Wednesday Joel 2:12-19 'So rend your hearts...!' 140
14 Matt. 6:1-6,16-21 "Show-off" vs. sanctification 398
15 2 Cor. 4:1-6 Let's be reflectors of the Light... 132
16 2 Cor. 5:20b-6:2 as we plead with sinners. 279
18 Gen. 5:3-8,15 Under His guidance... 425
19 Rom. 8:18-30 comfort for us convicts, 427
20 Luke 6:1-10 all 'bent out of shape' by envy. 5
21 Luke 6:17-26 After 'Blessed!' comes 'Woe!' 392
22 1 Cor. 15:35-38,42-50 God plants in our springtime. 370
23 1 Cor. 15:51-58 More previews (and DNA, too) 201
25 Jerem. 17:5-8 Strong words well spoken 26
26 Jerem. 17:9-16 We all need professional Help. 417
27 Luke 6:27-36 Create in me a clean heart, O God! 288
28 Luke 6:37-46 How's your spiritual power-plant? 330
Date M A R C H Hymn
1 2 Cor. 6:11-7:1 Souls can be lost from God... 244
2 2 Cor. 7:2-12 or led to godly sorrow and repentance. 331
4 Deut. 26:5-10 We have reason for thanks. 384
5 Deut. 26:11-19 We hang onto the blessings. 534
6 Luke 7:36-50 Her repentance needed His defense. 324
7 Luke 9:18-27 Rehearsal for true discipleship 406
8 Rom. 10:1-8 The Law gets paid off. 377:1-5
9 Rom. 10:9-13 Embarrassed to tell the Truth? 377:6-10
11 Jerem. 26:1-11 Do we see the parallels... 150
12 Jerem. 26:12-24 between Jeremiah and Jesus? 132
13 Luke 13:31-35 How depressing it all was to Him! 278
14 Lev. 26:21-33 Pay-back is a monster! 610
15 Phlp. 3:17-4:1 Enough to make a grown man cry 612
16 Phlp. 4:2-7 In every human situation 468
18 Ex. 3:1-10 We dare stand in His presence... 149
19 Ex. 3:11-18 as He grants us leave. 298
20 Luke 13:1-5 Obituary reminders 590
21 Luke 13:6-9 Pruning time reminders 594
22 1 Cor. 10:1-13 Pride goes before a fall. 516
23 1 Cor. 10:14-22 Idolatry/Communion (24:Palm Sunday) 311
25 Isa. 12:1-6 God is the Holy One of Israel! 33
26 Ex. 6:1-8 And holy is His Name! 51
27 Luke 15:1-10 Once lost -- but found! 324
28 Luke 15:11-32 Double heartache/double joy! 32
29 Good Friday I Cor. 1:18-31 The message of the Cross 354
30 Rom. 1:1-5,16-17 What IS the good news? 175
31 Easter Sunday Review the Easter gospel and hymns
Date A P R I L Hymn
1 Ex. 5:1-11 History beats false promises. 204
2 Psalm 27 This is a time for singing. 18
3 Luke 24:1-11 Assurance brought by angels... 203
4 Luke 24:13-31 and reinforced by Jesus 194
5 1 Cor. 15:1-11 Eye-witness affidavits 378
6 1 Cor. 15:12-28 We claim the Treasure. 187
8 Acts 5:12-21 [This gives us the shivers!] 210
9 Acts 5: 22-32 This straightens us out again... 205
10 John 20: 19-23 as it can straighten out others. 192:1-4
11 John 20:24-31 Not theory...but conviction 192:5-8
12 Rev. 1:4-8 Peek into heaven's living-room... 244
13 Rev. 1:9-18 and see our awesome God! 199
15 Acts 9:1-10 The storm-trooper gets blitzed. 403
16 Acts 9:11-20 A blind sinner gets healed. 331
17 John 21:1-14 With us at work and at home 353
18 John 21:15-19 Spiritual first-aid treatment 648
19 John 21:20-25 'What about him?' is God's concern. 401
20 Rev. 5:11-14 John received a large, extra bonus. 344
22 Acts 13:15-25 God raises His hand to bless... 63
23 Acts 13: 26-33 and never compromises on that... 193
24 John 10:22-30 as He displays His credentials... 431
25 John 10:31-42 in support of the prime Commandment. 95
26 Rev. 7:9-17 to get those souls into heaven. 471
27 Rom. 5:6-11 And the Father bought it! 342
29 Acts 13:34-41 David was referring to Jesus. 200
30 Acts 13:42-52 The book is closed on our case! 371
Date M A Y Hymn
1 John 13:12-20 Serving is an awesome privilege. 464
2 John 13:21-35 His renovating directive to us, 435
3 Rev. 21:1-5 who are new versions of the old... 592
4 Eph. 2:21-22;1 Cor.3:16;1 Cor.6:19;2 Cor.6:16 temple. 467
6 Acts 14:8-18 Idolatry is grossly revolting. 496
7 Luke 24:44-53 Jesus & Father & Holy Spirit! 252
8 John 14:23-29 Love His Word as you love Jesus! 399
9 Ascension Acts 1:1-11 Angels on stand-by for us 212
10 Rev. 21:10-14,22-23 Heaven has no need of a temple. 609
11 Eph. 1:15-23 Where body and Head are united 613
13 Acts 16:6-10 God has His own priorities. 495
14 Acts 16:11-15 The Lord opened doors and hearts. 493
15 John 17:20-26 Proud to be God's child 428
16 1 John 1:1-10 A message that counts 371
17 Rev. 22:6-11 Keep the words of this Book! 266
18 Rev. 22:12-17,20-21 Jesus at the door (19: Pentecost) 343
20 Gen. 11:1-9 A big mistake for the U.N. 604
21 Rom. 1:18-32 And history repeats itself. 608
22 John 15:26-16:4 The Rescuer salvages us... 230
23 John 16:5-15 as Jesus' Substitute... 231
24 Acts 2:1-36 to reverse Babel and... 224
25 Acts 2:37-47 return us to God. (26: Trinity Sunday) 428
27 Prov. 8:22-31 How smart is God... 236
28 Psalm 19 for His universe, Himself, and us? 283
29 John 14:14-21 Do we revere Him... 237
30 John 16:12-15 for His wisdom? 242
31 Rom. 5:1-5 He plans even our tribulations. 514
Date J U N E Hymn
1 James 1:2-12 Our exercise program 447
3 Deut. 26:1-11 The duty of first-fruits to the Lord... 441
4 2 Cor. 9:6-15 is replaced by thankful hearts, as... 384
5 Rom. 12:3-8 each uses his personal resources... 400
6 Mt. 25:14-30 over a few things... 438
7 Eph. 4:11-16 for our mutual benefit. 434
8 Phlp. 1:10-20 You have done well! 431
10 1 Kgs. 8:22-32 Worship is a two-way street. 459
11 1 Kgs. 8:35-43 Cycling from bad to good 322
12 Luke 7:1-10 This army veteran... 237
13 Rom.15:7-21 was but one among many. 498
14 Gal. 1:1-10 Then Satan retaliates. 260
15 2 Cor. 10:1-18 But God knows the truth. 482
17 1 Kgs. 17:17-24 Blessed are they for whom... 352
18 2 Kgs. 4:1-7 God does daily miracles! 335
19 Luke 7:11-17 He stoops to our needs. 516
20 Rom. 4:13-21 From death to life 380
21 Gal. 1:11-24 No rubber stamp needed 283
22 Jerem. 9:23-24; 10:1-10 Upset over idolatry? 492
24 Ex. 19:1-8 The trail of tears 288
25 Ex. 19:16-25 Who can face God--and live? 289
26 Mt. 9:35-10:8 What a contrast! 297
27 Mt. 10:16-26 Travel guidelines and danger signals 422
28 Rom. 5:1-5 We leave Sinai behind us. 432
29 Rom. 5:6-11 Jesus is our replacement DNA. 342
Date J U L Y Hymn
1 Jerem. 20:7-13 The burden of being His spokesmen... 482
2 Jerem. 23:1-7 as under-shepherds of His flock 489
3 Mt.10:24-33 You and I claim this status. 400
4 Acts 5:25-40 God's enemies deserve the Truth, too! 60
5 Rom. 5:12-17 Balance on the scales of justice? 383
6 Rom. 5:18-21 Only Christ can tip the scales for us. 385
8 Jerem. 28:5-9 A false prophet is inventive. 260
9 Jerem. 28:10-17 The wooden yoke vs. an iron yoke 260
10 Mt. 10:34-42 Satan ruptures God's family. 532
11 Mt. 11:1-19 From jail to Jesus 63
12 Rom. 6:1-14 What's your excuse for sinning? 407
13 Rom. 6:15-23 Sin is Satan's control mechanism. 318
15 Zech. 9:9-12 O Jesus, King most wonderful! 361
16 Zech. 13:1-9 God, the divine Terminator 473
17 Mt. 11:20-24 Fair treatment = intolerable hellfire! 295
18 Mt. 11:25-30 God signs us on with Jesus. 353
19 Rom. 7:1-14 Bound by Law...or by marriage vows? 619
20 Rom. 7:15-25 The old personality won't stay dead. 379
22 Isa. 55:1-5 God advertises His open house... 278
23 Isa. 55:6-11 to capture our hearts with love. 296
24 Mt. 13:1-17 The world is God's garden plot... 487
25 Mt. 13:18-23 where it is difficult to get a crop. 1
26 Rom. 8:1-17 It's always flesh vs. Spirit... 201
27 Rom. 8:18-25 and the Spirit is our support. 463
29 Isa. 43:14-21 God creates a new thing... 59
30 Isa. 44:1-8 and showers blessings on us. 427
31 Mt. 13:24-30 We grow unto harvest... 574
Date A U G U S T Hymn
1 Mt. 13:36-43 when the weeds will be removed... 607
2 Rom. 8:26-27 by the Master Gardener at work. 225
3 Psalm 16 Blessings on your growth with God! 564
5 1 Kgs. 3:1-9 Solomon knew his needs... 395
6 1 Kgs. 3:10-15 and God filled the needs. 459
7 Mt. 13:44-50 Three parables in a nest 347
8 Mt. 13:51-58 Can you believe it? 358
9 Rom. 8:28-30 Golden shocks of grain... 529
10 Psalm 1 and a golden threshing-floor 414
12 Ezek. 20:21-32 When you shop for a real bargain... 321
13 Ezek. 20:33-44 what do you have in mind? 317
14 Mt. 14:1-12 Herod shopped in the slums... 272
15 Mt. 14:13-21 and so missed his great opportunity. 367
16 Rom. 8:31-39 'With Him' = never without Him! 367
17 Heb. 9:23-28 Because He is superior in every way 171
19 1 Kgs. 19:1-10 God had a schedule for Elijah... 260
20 1 Kgs. 19:11-18 and gave him the right focus. 261
21 Mt. 14:22-31 Disciples in weakness and strength 270
22 Mt. 14:32-36 Calm with Jesus on board 281
23 Rom. 9:1-8,30-33 Are you in the picture? 586
24 Rom. 10:1-21 God has His focus on Jesus(and you)! 507
26 Isa. 56:1-8 They will see and they will come. 415
27 Isa. 29:9-14,22-24 Religiousness that is Satan's work... 265
28 Mt. 15:1-20 and ceremonialism vs. the Gospel 377:1-5
29 Mt. 15:21-28 True religion at Jesus' feet 377: 6-10
30 Rom. 11:1-15 Heaven is a gift...not for sale. 374
31 Rom. 11:16-25 In His orchard God prunes and grafts. 381
Date S E P T E M B E R Hymn
2 Deut. 31:9-13 Repetition is educationally good! 630
3 Eph. 2:1-10 God does miracles for a baby... 629
4 Mark 10:13-16 as Jesus reminds us... 300
5 Heb. 11:23-29 and the baby grows to know Christ... 631
6 2 Tim. 3:14-17 brought to him in the Bible... 628
7 Eph. 6:1-4 by parents who love him/her. 338
9 Ex. 5:22-6:8 'God Almighty' or 'Jehovah?' 21
10 Ex. 6:28-7:7 Our Exodus is coming up. 660
11 Mt. 16:5-12 False doctrine is Satan's ploy. 269
12 Mt. 16:13-19 Safety in knowing Jesus aright 467
13 Rom. 11:26-36 Disobedience vs. mercy 519
14 Heb. 8:6-13 Temporary warranty vs. eternal guarantee 428
16 Jer. 15:15-21 Serving God...and sinners 385
17 2 Cor. 4 Paul's service was a rough-go. 489
18 Mt. 16:21-26 Satan...or Jesus...or sinful self? 421
19 Mt. 17:24-27 We are free in conscience, and free... 389
20 Rom. 12:1-8 to serve one another, mutually... 464
21 Rom. 12:9-21 in Christian love and behavior. 477
23 Ezek. 31:1-11 True theology is not theory. 331
24 Ezek. 33:12-20 Just look at the evidence! 416
25 Mt. 18:1-14 God managed to fix the problem. 595
26 Mt. 18:15-20 We are in this together! 412
27 Rom. 13:1-7 Our special Administrator 517
28 Rom. 13:8-14 Keep up with your investments! 60
30 Gen. 45:3-8 Love covers the multitude of sins. 406
Date O C T O B E R Hymn
1 Gen. 50:15-21 Retaliation vs. reconciliation 409
2 Mt. 18:21-35 Limits on love...' on debts' 403
3 Mt. 19:1-12 Medical alert! (hardness of heart) 317
4 Rom. 14:1-9 Where God allows freedom, 453
5 Rom. 14:10-23 we allow it to others (considerately). 14
7 Isa. 45:1-13 God laments human blindness, 318
8 Isa. 48:1-22 yet continues to call and plead. 276
9 Mt. 20:1-16 The Contractor honors His contract, 380
10 Mt. 20:20-28 though we deserve nothing so good. 527
11 Phlp. 1:3-11 Have a safe arrival... 586
12 Phlp. 1:19-26 after a safe trip. 608
14 Ezek. 18:1-9 God simply goes by the evidence... 611
15 Ezek. 18:25-32 so God's decision is fair! 26
16 Mt. 21:18-27 Fig-tree failure and human failures 457
17 Mt. 21:28-32 Wrong words vs. right action? 22
18 Phlp. 2:1-4 Some "if's" for thought 31
19 Phlp. 2:5-11 What was God thinking?! 104
21 Isa. 61:10-62:3 Even O.T. folks got the blessing... 500
22 Luke 10:1-16 of being able to witness to Jesus... 501
23 Luke 24:44-53 for His harvest arrangements... 506
24 1 Tim. 2:1-7 that also get us involved. 496
25 Rom. 10:11-17 God has His salvage operation... 507
26 Rev. 1:5-8 in matters of eternal importance. 244
28 Isa. 5:1-7 Israel, God's pathetic vineyard... 37
29 Isa. 5:24-30 was due to get razed by aliens. 173
30 Mt. 21:33-41 Same theme / new parable... 210
31 Reformation Mt. 21:42-46 with a follow-up for us. 606
Date N O V E M B E R Hymn
1 Phlp. 3:1-11 Paul had a Ph.D. in Judaism, 380
2 Phlp. 3:12-16 but God gave him a better diploma. 242
4 Isa. 25:1-9 A new life for people renewed... 321
5 Isa. 26:20-27:1 as preview of His return to us. 339
6 Mt. 22:1-14 A few bad guests get replaced. 367
7 Mt. 22:15-21 Jesus was no Law-breaker. 579
8 Phlp. 3:17-21 What can make a pastor cry? 413
9 Phlp. 4:4-13 ...and what can make him rejoice? 477
11 Isa. 45:1-7 What God does = history in the making 39
12 Mal. 2:1-2,4-10 What makes God perturbed? 607
13 Mt. 22:23-33 Is there not life after death? 616
14 Mt. 22:34-46 And Who is David's LORD? 105
15 1 Thess. 1:2-10 What makes a pastor thankful? 29
16 1 Thess. 2:8-13 ...and what makes him reminisce? 27
18 Lev. 19:1-2,15-18 You should be holy! (details) 412
19 Jerem. 26:1-6 What comes after the 'IF'? 425
20 Mt. 23:34-39 LawandGospel (all in one breath!) 266
21 Mt. 24:1-14 Signs of the times--for us, too 269
22 1 Thess. 2:14-20 'That they may be saved' 49
23 1 Thess. 3:6-13 'Stand fast in the Lord!' 48
25 Amos 5:18-24 What good is the Day of the Lord? 9
26 Ezek. 34:11-16,23-24 And the Lord will be their God. 250
27 Mt. 25:1-13 Wise vs. foolish waiting... 655
28 Thanksgiving Mt. 25:31-46 ...to arrive home. 610
29 1 Thess. 4:1-8 Culled out of the garbage... 416
30 1 Cor. 15:20-28 and then comes THE END. 187
Date D E C E M B E R (1: Advent begins) Hymn
2 Jerem. 33:14-18 Our claim to righteousness 134
3 Jerem. 33:19-26 God doesn't lose His memory. 51
4 Luke 21:20-24 History repeats itself. 612
5 Luke 21:25-36 Just one heart-beat away! 611
6 1 Thess. 4:9-12 So we cling (and work) together. 464
7 1 Thess. 4:13-18 The LORD will descend from heaven. 616
9 Mal. 3:1-4 A reader wants to know... 604
10 Mark 1:2-8 what repentance is all about. 326
11 Luke 1:13-17,59-66 Background on the Messenger 272
12 Luke 3:1-9 A sampler sermon from Baptizer John 75
13 Phlp. 1:3-11 Doctrine hand-in-hand with practice 394
14 Phlp. 1:19-26 Such confidence is elevating. 396
16 Zeph. 3:8-13 A Supreme Court decision 39
17 Zeph. 3:14-18a True religion is a two-way street. 411
18 Luke 3:10-18 Practical ways to show love 398
19 James 2:14-26 A season of refreshening love 412
20 Phlp. 4:2-9 His hand is on the doorknob of life. 609
21 Phlp. 3:12-21 Two major goals in life 413
23 Micah 5:2-5 God elevates our mediocrity. 77
24 Isa. 9:2-7 A blast of great light 78
25 Christmas Luke 1:39-55 Thrice blessed, every one! 272
26 Luke 2:1-20 God orchestrates human events. 92
27 Heb. 2:1-9 Jesus was not a species of angel... 343
28 Heb. 2:10-18 but the divine Template. 219
30 1 Thess. 4:13-18 The dead in Christ shall rise. 122:1-6
31 1 Thess. 5:1-11 Awake or awakened, we shall live! 122:7-12
O Lord Christ, our Savior dear,
Be Thou ever near us.
Grant us now a glad new year.
Amen, Jesus, hear us! Amen.