June 27, 2018 - THE LORD IS LISTENING

Day 178 - (Today’s Bible readings: Numbers 6:1-21; Psalm 147; 2 Corinthians 8:16-9:5)

“The Lord is near to all who call on him,
    to all who call on him in truth.”   (Psalm 145:18 ESV) 

Life can be hard. There are many challenges that face us in daily life. But God promises us a way out.

“Call upon me in the day of trouble; I will deliver you, and you shall glorify me.” (Psalm 50:15 ESV)

“The Lord is near to all who call on him, to all who call on him in truth.” 

Are you experiencing days of trouble? Are you calling on the Lord for deliverance?

The writer of that great “prayer hymn” certainly had this truth in mind when he penned these precious words:

1. What a Friend we have in Jesus, All our sins and griefs to bear!  
What a privilege to carry Ev’rything to God in prayer!
Oh, what peace we often forfeit, Oh, what needless pain we bear,
All because we do not carry Everything to God in prayer.

2. Have we trials and temptations?  Is there trouble anywhere?
We should never be discouraged, Take it to the Lord in prayer.
Can we find a Friend so faithful Who will all our sorrows share?
Jesus knows our every weakness - Take it to the Lord in prayer.

3. Are we weak and heavy laden, Cumbered with a load of care?
Precious Savior, still our Refuge - Take it to the Lord in prayer.
Do thy friends despise, forsake thee?  Take it to the Lord in prayer;
In His arms He'll take and shield thee, Thou wilt find a solace there.
(“What a Friend We Have in Jesus,” Concordia Publishing House 2006, #770)

Heavenly Father, thank You for rescuing us from sin, death and the devil. Please watch over and protect all who may be in peril of the storms of life as well. 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!