"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)
Tuesday, October 24, 2023 - Day 297 - (Today’s Bible readings: Ezra 4:1-16; Psalm 109:1-20; James 1:19-27)
GOD WORKS THROUGH ALL CIRCUMSTANCES
“In the first year of Cyrus king of Persia, that the word of the LORD by the mouth of Jeremiah might be fulfilled, the LORD stirred up the spirit of Cyrus king of Persia, so that he made a proclamation throughout all his kingdom and also put it in writing:” (Ezra 1:1 ESV)
“The Lord stirs Cyrus the Persian to send home a remnant of the Judean exiles, as prophesied by Isaiah and Jeremiah. Today, the Lord of heaven and earth continues to govern the nations for the good of His people. Though the news we hear each day is often bad, we can rejoice that the Lord of heaven is at work amid tumultuous events. Consider how He wrought our salvation through the decisions of Roman and Judean rulers who crucified our Savior.” (The Lutheran Study Bible, Concordia Publishing House, 2009, page 722)
In His perfect time, God allowed His people to leave their bondage and return home. God’s timing is perfect in your life too. Ultimately, He will grant you the gift of heaven. Until then, remember the words of David: “My times are in your hand.” (Psalm 31:15)
Almighty God, thank You for working in all of the circumstances of my life. Above all, thank You for sending Jesus to the cross and then into my heart, both at just the right time. In Jesus’ saving name. Amen.
Pastor David Paape
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