Saturday, February 18, 2023

Sunday, February 19, 2023 - HOPE-FILLED GRIEVING


"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)

Sunday, February 19, 2023 - Day 50 - (Today’s Bible readings: Isaiah 59:16-21; Psalm 47; John 21:20-25)

HOPE-FILLED GRIEVING
“But we do not want you to be uninformed, brothers, about those who are asleep, that you may not grieve as others do who have no hope. For since we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so, through Jesus, God will bring with him those who have fallen asleep.” (1 Thessalonians 4:13-14 ESV) 

What comfort grieving Christians find in these words of Paul! It is ok to cry when we lose a loved one because we still have hope:
”that you may not grieve as others do who have no hope.” 

We miss our loved one, but we also have the peace and comfort that comes from knowing that they are in heaven:
“For since we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so, through Jesus, God will bring with him those who have fallen asleep.”

Lord Jesus, thank You for Your physical resurrection, and Your promise that all who trust in You for forgiveness will also rise again to eternal life. Amen.

“See” you at the Communion rail this morning!

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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