"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)
Wednesday, October 18, 2023 - Day 291 - (Today’s Bible readings: Ezekiel 46; Psalm 105:23-45; Hebrews 12:1-6)
RUN THE RACE
“Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, 2 looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God.” Hebrews 12:1-6
The writer to the Hebrews is calling believers to remember the example of the faithful who have gone before us and lay aside anything that would get in the way of following Jesus. He then tells us to keep our eyes on Jesus as we run the race of life.
How does this work?
1) Remember your Baptism.
2) Read God’s Word daily.
3) Serve others in Jesus’ name.
4) Remember the example of the faithful who have gone before us.
The words of this hymn help us remember and follow...
1. For all the saints, who from their labors rest,
Who Thee by faith before the world confessed,
Thy Name, O Jesus, be forever blessed.
Alleluia, Alleluia!
2. Thou wast their rock, their fortress and their might;
Thou, Lord, their Captain in the well fought fight;
Thou, in the darkness drear, their one true Light.
Alleluia, Alleluia!
3. O may Thy soldiers, faithful, true and bold,
Fight as the saints who nobly fought of old,
And win with them the victor’s crown of gold!
Alleluia, Alleluia
4. O blest communion, fellowship divine!
We feebly struggle, they in glory shine;
Yet all are one in Thee, for all are Thine.
Alleluia, Alleluia!
5. And when the fight is fierce, the warfare long,
Steals on the ear the distant triumph song,
And hearts are brave again, and arms are strong.
Alleluia, Alleluia!
6. The golden evening brightens in the west;
Soon, soon to faithful warriors cometh rest;
Sweet is the calm of paradise the blest.
Alleluia, Alleluia!
7. But, lo, there breaks a yet more glorious day:
The saints triumphant rise in bright array;
The King of glory passes on His way.
Alleluia, Alleluia!
8. From earth’s wide bounds, from ocean’s farthest coast,
Through gates of pearl streams in the countless host,
Singing to Father, Son and Holy Ghost:
Alleluia, Alleluia!
(“For All the Saints,” Lutheran Service Book #677)
Youtube link: https://youtu.be/UwE6HGXKxzg
Thank You, Lord Jesus, for enduring the agonies of the cross for me and all sinners. Thank You also for all the faithful who have gone before me. Help me to follow their example and faithfully follow You. Amen.
Pastor David Paape
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