"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
Saturday, August 12, 2023 - Day 224 - (Today’s Bible readings: Jeremiah 51:59-64; Psalm 41; Philippians 1:1-11)
GROW IN CHRIST
“And it is my prayer that your love may abound more and more, with knowledge and all discernment, so that you may approve what is excellent, and so be pure and blameless for the day of Christ.” (Philippians 1:9-10 ESV)
Paul’s wants Christian love to grow in the lives of God’s people to such an extent that we will be able to distinguish between what is from God (that which is excellent) and what is from the devil. What can we do to grow in this manner? The answer is so simple. God wants us to read, mark, learn and inwardly digest His Word, the Bible.
The picture clearly reminds us that we grow in Christ by spending time in His Word. When we invest time in reading the Bible, our love for God and for people grows. The knowledge imparted to us from the sacred pages teaches us what is excellent and pure. It shows us Christ’s cross, our forgiveness, and our calling to live for Him.
1. How precious is the Book Divine,
By inspiration given!
Bright as a lamp its doctrines shine
To guide our souls to heaven.
2. It's light, descending from above
Our gloomy world to cheer,
Displays a Savior's boundless love
And brings his glories near.
3. It shows to man his wandering ways
And where his feet have trod,
And brings to view the matchless grace
Of a forgiving God.
4. O'er all the straight and narrow way
Its radiant beams are cast;
A light whose never weary ray
Grows brightest at the last.
5. It sweetly cheers our drooping hearts
In this dark vale of tears,
Life, light, and joy it still imparts
And quells our rising fears.
6. This lamp through all the tedious night
Of life shall guide our way
Till we behold the clearer light
Of an eternal day.
(The Lutheran Hymnal, 1941, #285)
Blessed Lord, You have caused all Holy Scriptures to be written for our learning. Grant that we may so hear them, read, mark, learn, and inwardly digest them that, by patience and comfort of Your holy Word, we may embrace and ever hold fast the blessed hope of everlasting life; through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.
“See” you in church tomorrow!
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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