August 15, 2018 - HAS GOD FORGOTTEN YOU?

Day 227 - (Today’s Bible readings: Deuteronomy 2:1-23; Psalm 44; John 16:25-33)

“All this has come upon us, though we have not forgotten you.”   (Psalm 44:17 ESV) 

In Psalm 44 “the psalmist recounts God’s past faithfulness but complains that God is now against His people, letting them suffer defeat despite their faithfulness to Him. They petition Him to help them once more.  

● As we undergo affliction, we are tempted to believe that God has deserted us or is unfairly punishing us.  

● But God is always ‘for you’ despite everything you see, feel, or think to the contrary.  

● God is not sleeping but helps, redeems, and loves - indeed ‘He ... did not spare His own Son but gave Him up for us all’ (Romans 8:32).”
(The Lutheran Study Bible, Concordia Publishing House, 2009, page 889)

Paul encourages you to focus your heart and your mind on Jesus:

“Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”  (Philippians 4:6-7)

You can make it through life’s toughest times with the peace that only Jesus, your Savior  can give you. He died for your sins, rose from the dead, and promises to always be with you – no matter what!

Always remind me, O Lord, that You are with me, even when I have my doubts. Grant me the peace that comes only through faith in my Savior.  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 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!