Saturday, October 14, 2023 - BLESS THE LORD

"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, October 14, 2023 - Day 287  - (Today’s Bible readings: Ezekiel 42; Psalm 103; Hebrews 10:32-39)

BLESS THE LORD

Bless the Lord, O my soul, and all that is within me, bless his holy name! Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits, who forgives all your iniquity, who heals all your diseases, who redeems your life from the pit...

He does not deal with us according to our sins, nor repay us according to our iniquities. For as high as the heavens are above the earth, so great is his steadfast love toward those who fear him;  as far as the east is from the west, so far does he remove our transgressions from us. (Psalm 103:1-4, 10-12 ESV)

Fellow repentant sinner, God has made you holy and fit for heaven. All of your sins are gone, separated from you as far as the east is from the west. WHAT A WONDERFUL REASON TO BLESS THE LORD!

1.  I lay my sins on Jesus, 

    The spotless Lamb of God;

    He bears them all and frees us 

    From the accursed load.

    I bring my guilt to Jesus 

    To wash my crimson stains

    Clean in His blood most precious 

    Till not a spot remains.

2. I lay my wants on Jesus; 

    All fulness dwells in Him;

    He heals all my diseases; 

    My soul He does redeem.

    I lay my griefs on Jesus, 

    My burdens and my cares;

    He from them all releases; 

    He all my sorrows shares.

3.  I rest my soul on Jesus, 

    This weary soul of mine;

    His right hand me embraces; 

    I on His breast recline.

    I love the name of Jesus, 

    Immanuel, Christ, the Lord;

    Like fragrance on the breezes 

    His name abroad is poured.

    (“I Lay My Sins on Jesus,” Lutheran Service Book #606)

Gracious heavenly Father, I do bless Your holy name for all of Your benefits showered upon me every day. Above all, I thank you for not repaying me according to my iniquities. Please continue to sustain me with Your steadfast love.  In Jesus’ saving name. Amen.

“See” you in church tomorrow!

Pastor David Paape