May 12, 2018 - ENDURE TO THE END

Day 132 - (Today’s Bible readings: Leviticus 5:1-13; Psalm 119:25-32; Mark 13:1-23)

And you will be hated by all for my name's sake. But the one who endures to the end will be saved. (Mark 13:13 ESV) 

Christians in America have it relatively easy compared to our brothers and sisters in Christ who face persecution and martyrdom in other places of the world. Yet we would be wise to take Jesus’ warning to heart and prepare ourselves for “tough times.” And here is how He wants to prepare us:

OPEN YOUR EYES
5 And Jesus began to say to them, “See that no one leads you astray. 6 Many will come in my name, saying, ‘I am he!’ and they will lead many astray. 7 And when you hear of wars and rumors of wars, do not be alarmed. This must take place, but the end is not yet. 8 For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be earthquakes in various places; there will be famines." (Mark 13:5-8 ESV) 

●  Don’t let false prophets nor ominous events lead you away from your Savior!

OPEN YOUR BIBLE
30 Now Jesus did many other signs in the presence of the disciples, which are not written in this book; 31 but these are written so that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name. (John 20:30-32 ESV)

● Open your Bible and be reminded of God’s promise for your life today and in eternity!

OPEN YOUR HEART
5 Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding.
6 In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths. (Proverbs 3:5-6 ESV)

● Remember that it is all about trusting Jesus and keeping Him first in your life!

DO NOT BE AFRAID
“Fear not, little flock, for it is your Father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom.” (Luke 12:32 ESV)

● No matter what happens in life, as a forgiven child of God, you do not need to be afraid of anything!

Lord Jesus, thank You for warning me about the persecutions that can come to those who follow You. Please watch over me and protect me so that I may endure to the end no matter what. In Your saving and comforting name I pray.  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!