"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)
Monday, February 6, 2023 - Day 37 - (Today’s Bible readings: Isaiah 49:8-26; Psalm 35; John 15:1-17)
CONNECTED TO JESUS
“Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me. I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing.” (John 15:4-5 ESV)
Jesus is the true vine, and His disciples (you and I) are the branches, connected to Him and bearing fruit.
How do we branches remain (abide) in Him?
● Weekly worship, feasting on God’s Word and Sacrament.
● Daily prayers
● Daily devotions and Bible study
What is the fruit we are to bear?
● Humble repentance and faith in Christ our Savior.
● Life lived to God’s glory and for the welfare of others.
● Love God and love others.
Through it all, Jesus promises to abide with us, prompting us to pray:
1. Abide with me! Fast falls the eventide;
The darkness deepens; Lord, with me abide.
When other helpers fail and comforts flee,
Help of the helpless, oh, abide with me!
2. Swift to its close ebbs out life's little day;
Earth's joys grow dim, its glories pass away;
Change and decay in all around I see.
O Thou, who changest not, abide with me!
3. I need Thy presence every passing hour;
What but Thy grace can foil the Tempter's power?
Who like Thyself my guide and stay can be?
Through cold and sunshine, oh, abide with me!
4. I fear no foe, with Thee at hand to bless;
Ills have not weight and tears no bitterness.
Where is death's sting? Where, grave, thy victory?
I triumph still if Thou abide with me.
5. Hold Thou Thy cross before my closing eyes,
Shine through the gloom, and point me to the skies.
Heaven's morning breaks, and earth's vain shadows flee;
In life, in death, O Lord, abide with me.
(Lutheran Service Book #878)
Thank You, Lord Jesus, for being the vine to which I am attached. Please nurture me to bear fruit that glorifies You and benefits others. Amen.
Pastor David Paape
“Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path” (Psalm 119:105 ), is the theme for 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:
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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