Thursday, May 25, 2023 - GOD MAKES THE CHOICE

"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 25, 2023 - Day 145 - (Today’s Bible readings: Jeremiah 3:19-25; Psalm 119:113-120; Acts 1:1-11 )

GOD MAKES THE CHOICE

So one of the men who have accompanied us during all the time that the Lord Jesus went in and out among us, beginning from the baptism of John until the day when he was taken up from us—one of these men must become with us a witness to his resurrection.” And they put forward two, Joseph called Barsabbas, who was also called Justus, and Matthias. And they prayed and said, “You, Lord, who know the hearts of all, show which one of these two you have chosen to take the place in this ministry and apostleship from which Judas turned aside to go to his own place.” And they cast lots for them, and the lot fell on Matthias, and he was numbered with the eleven apostles. (Acts 1:21-26 ESV)

As God chose Matthias to be the twelfth man, the disciple who replaced Judas, so God has chosen you to be His disciple. You can take great comfort in this fact.

 “Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name, you are mine.” (Psalm 43:1b)

God called Matthias and put him in the right place. God puts you in the right place, at the right time, for His right purpose as well. You can trust Him no matter what may come, as our Psalm for today reminds us:

I hate the double-minded,

    but I love your law.

You are my hiding place and my shield;

    I hope in your word. 

(Psalm 119:113-114)

Heavenly Father, thank You for Your perfect timing in my , for choosing me to be Your child, and for being my hiding place and shield. Please use me to share Your Word of love and mercy with others. 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 ), 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:

https://files.lcms.org/file/preview/XxtyVfFAq1AnLS1gOHvLxvC7AGJ1D4w3?

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!