"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
Thursday, May 18, 2023 - Day 138 - (Today’s Bible readings: Acts 1:1–11; Psalm 47; Ephesians 1:15–23; Luke 24:44–53)
BUILD ON CHRIST’S ASCENSION
And when he had said these things, as they were looking on, he was lifted up, and a cloud took him out of their sight. And while they were gazing into heaven as he went, behold, two men stood by them in white robes, and said, “Men of Galilee, why do you stand looking into heaven? This Jesus, who was taken up from you into heaven, will come in the same way as you saw him go into heaven.” (Acts 1:9-11 ESV)
In this uncertain world, it is nice to have something that is certain. “This Jesus, who was taken up from you into heaven, will come in the same way as you saw him go into heaven.”
The hymn writer encourages you to rest your future on Christ’s ascension and His immanent return. In fact, this could be the day. Are you ready?
Resting your hope on the ascension of Christ means that you believe that Jesus is your Savior by means of His crucifixion and resurrection.
On Christ’s Ascension I now build
The hope of my ascension.
This hope alone has always stilled
All doubt and apprehension;
For where the Head is, there as well
I know His members are to dwell
When Christ will come and call them.
(“On Christ’s Ascension I Now Build,” Lutheran Service Book #492 stanza 1)
Ascended Lord, thank You for guaranteeing my ascension. Please keep me faithful and ready for Your return. 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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