October 30, 2016 - WAIT! WAIT!

Day 304 - James Sunday (Chapters 4-5)

“Be patient, therefore, brothers, until the coming of the Lord. See how the farmer waits for the precious fruit of the earth, being patient about it, until it receives the early and the late rains. You also, be patient. Establish your hearts, for the coming of the Lord is at hand. Do not grumble against one another, brothers, so that you may not be judged; behold, the Judge is standing at the door.”  (James 5:7-9 ESV)

James is encouraging Christians to wait patiently for the Day of the Lord. While the picture of the dogs obediently waiting for their treats is cute, there is nothing cute about James’s warning.

“Establish your hearts, for the coming of the Lord is at hand.” Make sure you are ready for the Last Day and YOUR LAST DAY! How can you be ready?

● Talk to the Lord daily (prayer).
● Read His Word and develop the practice of daily devotions (like Portals of Prayer).
● Worship the Lord weekly so that He can come to You in His Word and Sacraments.
● Listen to Him.
● Follow Him.
● Trust Him.

Be still, my soul; the Lord is on your side; 
Bear patiently the cross of grief or pain;
Leave to your God to order and provide; 
In ev’ry change he faithful will remain.
Be still, my soul; your best, your heav’nly Friend 
Through thorny ways leads to a joyful end.
(Be Still, My Soul, Lutheran Service Book, CPH. 2006, #752, stanza 1)

Heavenly Father, help me wait patiently for You to take me home. Until then, strengthen me with Your Word, Your presence and Your power, all through Jesus Christ, my Savior. Amen. 

“See” you at the Communion table this morning!

Pastor David 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