Day 178 (Through the Bible in a year readings for today: Job 10-12 Acts 8:1-25)
MUCH JOY!
4 Now those who were scattered went about preaching the word. 5 Philip went down to the city of Samaria and proclaimed to them the Christ. 6 And the crowds with one accord paid attention to what was being said by Philip when they heard him and saw the signs that he did. 7 For unclean spirits, crying out with a loud voice, came out of many who had them, and many who were paralyzed or lame were healed. 8 So there was much joy in that city. (Acts 8:4-8 ESV)
“There was much joy in that city.” Demons were cast out and people were healed physically. Naturally, people would be joyful.
However, were does true and lasting joy come from? We find it our churches as we gather around God’s Word and the precious body and blood of Jesus. Real joy comes from our believe in “the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body and the life everlasting.” (Last sentence of the Apostles’ Creed)
1 Joyful, joyful we adore Thee,
God of glory, Lord of love!
Hearts unfold like flow'rs before Thee,
Praising Thee, their sun above.
Melt the clouds of sin and sadness,
Drive the gloom of doubt away.
Giver of immortal gladness,
Fill us with the light of day.
2 All Thy works with joy surround Thee,
Earth and heav'n reflect Thy rays,
Stars and angels sing around Thee,
Center of unbroken praise.
Field and forest, vale and mountain,
Flow'ry meadow, flashing sea,
Chanting bird, and flowing fountain
Call us to rejoice in Thee.
3 Thou art giving and forgiving,
Ever blessing, ever blest,
Well-spring of the joy of living,
Ocean-depth of happy rest!
Father, Son, and Holy Spirit,
Fountainhead of love divine:
Joyful, we Thy heav'n inherit!
Joyful, we by grace are Thine!
(Joyful, Joyful We Adore Thee, LSB 803)
Lord, please keep filling me with Your joy as I go to Your house every week and find You there with Your joy-instilling gifts of forgiveness, peace and promise. And please let Your love and mercy show in my life so that others can come to know the joy of being Your child too. Amen.
Pastor David Paape
Daily Bible Reading Chart covering the entire Bible in one year.
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