February 26, 2018 - ARE YOU READY

Day 57 - (Today’s Bible readings: Genesis 40; Psalm 53; Matthew 24:36-25:13)

“But concerning that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels of heaven, nor the Son, but the Father only... Therefore, stay awake, for you do not know on what day your Lord is coming. But know this, that if the master of the house had known in what part of the night the thief was coming, he would have stayed awake and would not have let his house be broken into. Therefore you also must be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect. (Matthew 24:36-44 ESV)

Jesus is warning us to be ready, to be prepared for our last day. His words pack an even greater impact when he emphasizes that not even He knows when the end of time will come. o much for those who make predictions of an actual date.

I know of a strong believer in Jesus who has the “blessing” of knowing that the end is near. Such is the nature of a terminal illness and the blessing of faith.

Whether your death looks imminent or not, how can you be ready? Listen to and heed Jesus’ words:

“The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand; repent and believe in the gospel.” (Mark 1:15 ESV)

So, take these words with you today:

1.  I am trusting Thee, Lord Jesus, Trusting only Thee;
    Trusting Thee for full salvation, Great and free.

2.  I am trusting Thee for pardon; At Thy feet I bow,
    For Thy grace and tender mercy Trusting now.
     (I Am Trusting Thee, Lord Jesus,  Lutheran Service Book, CPH 2006, #729)

Heavenly Father, make me ready for whatever day You have chosen to be my last day. Help me to repent and believe in Jesus as my Savior and Lord. 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!