"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)
Monday, December 9, 2024 - Day 343 (Through the Bible in a year reading for today: Hosea 1-4; Jude)
WAIT FOR THE MERCY OF THE LORD
“17 But you must remember, beloved, the predictions of the apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ. 18 They said to you, “In the last time there will be scoffers, following their own ungodly passions.” 19 It is these who cause divisions, worldly people, devoid of the Spirit. 20 But you, beloved, building yourselves up in your most holy faith and praying in the Holy Spirit, 21 keep yourselves in the love of God, waiting for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ that leads to eternal life. 22 And have mercy on those who doubt; 23 save others by snatching them out of the fire; to others show mercy with fear, hating even the garment stained by the flesh.” (Jude 18-23 ESV)
It is the season of Advent when we remember Christ’s first coming and look forward to His promised second coming. Jude gives us a picture of “the last time” and what you should do in preparation:
● There will be scoffers, mockers of the Christian faith.
REMAIN FAITHFUL!
● These worldly people will cause divisions.
REMAIN FAITHFUL!
● Build yourself in faith through prayer, as well as through the Word and the Lord’s Supper.
REMAIN FAITHFUL!
● Keep yourself in the love of God.
REMAIN FAITHFUL!
● Wait for the mercy of the Lord
REMAIN FAITHFUL!
● Have mercy on doubters.
REMAIN FAITHFUL!
● Share Christ with those who are living without Jesus and are in danger of hell-fire.
REMAIN FAITHFUL!
● Show mercy and hate sin.
REMAIN FAITHFUL!
Lord Jesus, I praise You and thank You for Your first Advent. Please strengthen my faith and grant me Your peace and comfort so that I may patiently and confidently wait for Your Second Coming. Please use me to share Your mercy and grace wherever and whenever You wish. Amen.
Pastor David Paape
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