April 7, 2018 - GOD’S WORKMANSHIP

Day 97 - (Today’s Bible readings: Exodus 20:18–21:11; Psalm 88; Romans 15:22-33)

“For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.”  (Ephesians 2:10 ESV) 

Today’s devotion in Portals of Prayer is entitled “It’s All In the Preparation,” based on the Bible passage highlighted in this devotion. It has particular meaning to me today as I mark another year of God’s grace and blessing in my life.

It is good for us to look back and remember the Lord’s guiding and protecting hand. It is also good to remember what Paul was teaching the Ephesian Christians. God created us for a purpose – to serve Him. God made us to do works that match His will, works that are therefore good.

As I look back at my last year, I must admit that I have not “walked in them” as I should. The greatest blessing in my last year has been the mercy of my forgiving God. The undeserved forgiveness of my sins is the greatest blessing in my life.

It is precisely because of this blessing that we Chrisians now want to walk the walk of faith and good works.

Let us ever walk with Jesus, Follow His example pure,
Through the world that would deceive us  And to sin our spirits lure.
Onward in His footsteps treading, Pilgrims here, our home above,
Full of faith and hope and love, Let us do the Father's bidding.
Faithful Lord, with me abide; I shall follow where You guide.
  (“Let Us Ever Walk with Jesus,” Lutheran Service Book, #685)

Thank You, Lord, for the gift of physical life and for the gift of eternal life through the faith You have given me in Jesus, my Savior. Please help me to walk the walk of faith and serve You by doing the good works You have planned for me to do. In Jesus’ saving name. Amen.

“See” you in church tomorrow!

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!