"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)
Day 174 - (Today’s Bible readings: 1 Kings 17:1-16, Psalm 143; Revelation 16:17-17:18)
LISTEN TO GOD
“Guard your steps when you go to the house of God. To draw near to listen is better than to offer the sacrifice of fools, for they do not know that they are doing evil. Be not rash with your mouth, nor let your heart be hasty to utter a word before God, for God is in heaven and you are on earth. Therefore let your words be few.” (Ecclesiastes 5:1-2 ESV)
What were we taught as children? “Think before you speak.” That is what Solomon is getting at here, and much more. In addition to the warning to not speak foolishly, he counsels us to listen to God, and I might add, to others too.
Solomon’s conclusion is that we are to listen to God more and speak less. That is some pretty sound advice for getting along with others and for honoring God.
Listen, listen, God is calling through the Word inviting,
offering forgiveness, comfort and joy.
Jesus gave his mandate; share the good news
that he came to save us and set us free.
Listen, listen, God is calling through the Word inviting,
offering forgiveness, comfort and joy.
Let none be forgotten throughout the world.
In the triune name of God go and baptize.
Listen, listen, God is calling through the Word inviting,
offering forgiveness, comfort and joy.
Help us to be faithful, standing steadfast,
walking in Your precepts, led by Your Word.
Listen, listen, God is calling through the Word inviting,
offering forgiveness, comfort and joy.
(“Listen, God Is Calling,” Lutheran Service Book #833)
Heavenly Father, may my words be few and may what I say bring honor to You and benefit others. Above all, may I listen well to all that You would teach me in Your precious Word. In Jesus’ saving name. Amen.
Pastor David Paape
“Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path” (Psalm 119:105 ), undergirds this three-year journey through the entire Old Testament once (the Psalms - twice yearly), and the New Testament twice. There will be daily readings from the O.T., Psalms and the N.T. Special days on the church calendar will be highlighted with appropriate readings. This calendar has been compiled by representatives of the Lutheran Church of Canada, the North American Lutheran Church and the Lutheran Church – Missouri Synod. Please click this link for the daily reading calendar:
Then scroll down to 2022 Bible Reading Calendar and download it if you so wish. The “assigned” daily readings will appear on a daily basis in this blog. May the Lord bless your meditation upon His precious life-giving Word!
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