June 14, 2016 - DON’T TAKE GOD FOR GRANTED

Day 166 - 1 Kings Tuesday (10-13)

“And the time that Solomon reigned in Jerusalem over all Israel was forty years.” (1 Kings 11:42 ESV)

“The closing years of Solomon’s reign are troubled as the Lord foretells the division of the kingdom and raises up adversaries to Solomon. 
● We dare never take God’s grace lightly, thinking we can sin without consequences.
● May God the Holy Spirit always keep us focused on our Savior through Word and Sacraments. 
● Jesus did not take us for granted; He saved us with His precious grace.”  
(The Lutheran Study Bible, Concordia Publishing House, 2009, page 556)

You who think of sin but lightly
Nor suppose the evil great
Here may view its nature rightly,
Here its guilt may estimate.
Mark the sacrifice appointed;
See who bears the awful load;
Tis the Word, the Lord’s Anointed,
Son of Man and son of God. 
(Lutheran Service Bible, Concordia Publishing House, 2006, #451)

Lord God, heavenly Father, help me to never downplay my sinfulness so that I may never take Your gracious gift of Jesus, my Savior, lightly!  Amen.

Pastor Dave Paape

The following link is to the 52 Week Reading Plan Bible upon which these devotions are based.  http://www.bible-reading.com/bible-plan.pdf