"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, October 26, 2023 - Day 299 - (Today’s Bible readings: Ezra 5:6-6:12; Psalm 110; James 2:14-26)
GOD CHANGES THE UNCHANGEABLE
“Let the work on this house of God alone. Let the governor of the Jews and the elders of the Jews rebuild this house of God on its site... They finished their building by decree of the God of Israel and by decree of Cyrus and Darius and Artaxerxes king of Persia.” (Ezra 6:7 & 14 ESV)
“The emperor Darius approves the building of the temple, sponsors its sacrifices, and curses those who would interfere. The God of heaven has so radically changed the circumstances that the government that opposed the project became its sponsor. Today, do not fail to offer prayers for your officials. Who knows what changes God may bring? Above all, offer thanks to Him for your salvation by Jesus’ sacrifice.” (Lutheran Study Bible, Concordia Publishing House, 2009, page 729)
When I was a boy growing up in Milwaukee, our nation’s greatest fear was the threat of being attacked by the godless Soviet Union. Never did we think that the Berlin Wall would come down on November 9,1989. But what I found far more amazing was the Russian Army Choir singing the Battle Hymn of the Republic at the 1992 Billy Graham crusade in Moscow. Talk about government policy being radically changed! Soldiers in a formerly atheistic country actually sang these words about our Savior:
In the beauty of the lilies Christ was born across the sea,
With a glory in His being that transfigures you and me;
As He died to make men holy let us live to make men free!
While God is marching on.
Glory! Glory! Hallelujah! Glory! Glory! Hallelujah!
Glory! Glory! Hallelujah! His truth is marching on!
(Lyrics by Julia Ward Howe, 1861; Tune: John Brown’s Body, by William Steffer, 1856)
May how almighty God led us through troubling times in the past give us peace and confidence as He leads us through the challenges we face today!
If thou but suffer God to guide thee,
And hope in Him through all thy ways,
He’ll give thee strength whate’er betide thee,
And bear thee through the evil days.
Who trusts in God’s unchanging love
Builds on the rock that nought can move.
(“If Thou but Suffer God to Guide Thee,” Lutheran Service Book #750)
Almighty God, You answered Your people’s prayers and radically changed government policy, and the Jews were blessed. You answered Your people’s prayers and radically changed government policy in Russia ushering in freedom that allowed the Gospel to be proclaimed. Please hear our prayers for our country and our world that the Gospel may have free course and that You would bless us with peace. In Jesus’ saving name. Amen.
Pastor David Paape
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