August 12, 2018 - CHOSEN FOR A PURPOSE

Day 224 - (Today’s Bible readings: Numbers 36; Psalm 41; John 15:1-17)

“You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit and that your fruit should abide...” (John 15:16 ESV)

In this selection from John’s Gospel Jesus is teaching us two things. 1) He has chosen us, and not the other way around. 2) And now He wants us to bear fruit for Him.

In verse Jesus reminds us that He laid down His life for us on the cross of Calvary. 
“Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends.” 
This means that all who repent and believe in Jesus are forgiven and promised heaven. The amazing part is that even though we do not deserve any kindness from our holy God, yet He has chosen us to be His friends now and in eternity.

“You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit and that your fruit should abide...” (John 15:16)

What kind of fruit is the Lord looking for in His friends, His followers?

“This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you.” (John 15:12)

You have been chosen for your salvation and for service to Lord by loving others in His name.

Lord Jesus, thank You for lovingly choosing me to be Your friend. Please use me to share Your soul-saving love with others.  Amen. 

“See” you at the Communion rail this morning.

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 from 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 your meditation upon His precious life-giving Word!