January 9, 2018 - WHY ARE YOU IMPORTANT TO GOD?

Day 9 - (Today’s Bible readings: Genesis 7:1-12, Psalm 8, Matthew 5:1-20)

"When I look at your heavens, the work of your fingers, the moon and the stars, which you have set in place, what is man that you are mindful of him, and the son of man that you care for him?"  (Psalm 8:3-4 ESV)

God is the Creator of the universe and everything in it. He set the planets in motion. He established the seasons. EVERYTHING in the natural world is the result of His limitless creative genius and power. Why should He care at all about us puny human beings?

● “So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him;                     male and female he created them.” (Genesis 1:27) 

● “The Lord loves you.” (Deuteronomy 7:8)

● “It is your Father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom.” (Luke 12:32)

Because God cared enough about you to send His only Son to the cross, your sins are forgiven and you can have real peace.

My sin, oh the bliss of this glorious thought!
        My sin, not in part but the whole,
        Is nailed to His cross, and I bear it no more,
        Praise the Lord, praise the Lord, O my soul! 
It is well (it is well),
        with my soul (with my soul),
        It is well, it is well with my soul.
(When Peace, Like a River, Lutheran Service Book, Concordia Publishing House, 2006, #762)

Almighty God, Creator of the universe, I thank and praise You for “being mindful” of me and granting me forgiveness and heaven by means of Jesus' sacrificial death. Please help me to remember You and serve You for the rest of my life. Amen.

Pastor David Paape

“Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path” (Psalm 119:105 ), is the theme for this three-year journey through the entire Old Testament once (the Psalms - twice yearly), and the New Testament twice. There will be daily readings form the O.T., Psalms and the N.T. Special days on the church calendar will be highlighted with appropriate readings. This calendar has been compiled by representatives of the Lutheran Church of Canada, the North American Lutheran Church and the Lutheran Church – Missouri Synod. Please click this link for the daily reading calendar:
https://blogs.lcms.org/2017/lcms-lcc-and-nalc-compile-three-year-schedule-of-daily-bible-readings  
Then scroll down to 2018 Bible Reading Calendar and download it if you so wish. The “assigned” daily readings will appear on a daily basis in this blog. May the Lord bless you meditation upon His precious life-giving Word!