October 23, 2018 - OUR GRACIOUS FATHER

Day 296 - (Today’s Bible readings: Job 27; Psalm 108; Luke 15:11-32)

“But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and felt compassion, and ran and embraced him and kissed him.” (Luke 15:20  ESV)

The prodigal son had talked his father into giving him his share of the inheritance early so that he could go out on his own. He had squandered his wealth and found himself in dire straights. This reminds us of how we have treated our heavenly Father.

The rest of the story reveals how our heavenly Father has mercifully responded to us. “While he was still a long way off....” The father had been looking for his long-lost son, watching every day, and hoping he would return. When he did return, we get this explanation for his great joy. “It was fitting to celebrate and be glad, for this your brother was dead, and is alive; he was lost, and is found.”  (Luke 15:32  ESV)

Amazing grace! How sweet the sound 
That saved a wretch like me!
I once was lost but now am found, 
Was blind but now I see!

Heavenly Father, thank You seeking me out and graciously restoring me as Your child through the innocent suffering and death of Jesus. Yes, thank You for Your amazing grace.  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!