"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 268 - (Today’s Bible readings: Joel 2:28-3:3; Psalm 84; Romans 14:1-12)
WHAT ARE YOU THINKING?
“Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.” (Philippians 4:8 ESV)
The devil is an expert at confusing our thinking. This is why the Holy Spirit led Paul to give us this thought-provoking advice. But it is not merely positive thinking that is being advanced here.
What is worthy of all praise? The answer is the Gospel, the message of God’s grace showered upon sinners like you and me. It is the Gospel that we need to remember more often than we do.
Peter gives us more details of what God wants us to think about in his first letter:
“Therefore, preparing your minds for action, and being sober-minded, set your hope fully on the grace that will be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ.” (1 Peter 1:13 ESV)
Lord Jesus, thank You for Your undeserved mercy and grace showered upon me and all sinners who repent and trust in You. Help me to think about that which is true, honorable, just, pure, lovely, commendable, excellent, and worthy of praise. Amen.
“See” you at the Communion table this morning!
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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