February 19, 2018 - A MIGHTY FORTRESS IS OUR GOD

Day 50 - (Today’s Bible readings: Genesis 35:16-36:9; Psalm 46; Matthew 22:15-33)

“God is our refuge and strength,
    a very present help in trouble.  
Therefore we will not fear though the earth gives way,
    though the mountains be moved into the heart of the sea,
though its waters roar and foam,
    though the mountains tremble at its swelling.”  (Psalm 46:1-3 ESV)

What are you facing this week... joy, sadness, fear, loss, success, pain, sorrow?

Last November, I took today’s video clip while visiting the Wartburg Castle in Eisenach Germany. Psalm 46 always reminds me of this historic site where Martin Luther was held in protective custody in 1521.

We all need a refuge from the storms that come in life. And almighty God is just that refuge. He is our very present help in trouble, whatever kind of trouble that might be.

1. A mighty Fortress is our God, A trusty Shield and Weapon;
He helps us free from ev'ry need That hath us now o'ertaken.
The old evil Foe  Now means deadly woe;  Deep guild and great might
Are his dread arms in fight;  On earth is not his equal.
        
2. With might of ours can naught be done, Soon were our loss effected;
But for us fights the valiant One, Whom God Himself elected.
Ask ye, Who is this?  Jesus Christ it is, of Sabaoth Lord,
And there's none other God; He holds the field forever.

Heavenly Father, thank You for driving all fear away by being my mighty fortress. Please keep me faithful to You this week and always. In Jesus’ saving name. 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!