December 1, 2018 - HELP FOR YOUR DAY

Day 335 - (Today’s Bible readings: Joshua 16:1–17:2; Psalm 124; Acts 4:23-31)

“Our help is in the name of the Lord,
    who made heaven and earth.” (Psalm 124:8 ESV)

Everyone needs help from time to time. You have a flat tire, you will most likely need some help. You can’t find an item on your wife’s shopping list, you will need to ask a worker in the grocery store where to find it. You break your arm, you are certainly going to need some help in setting it. There are so may examples. And what if you are having trouble with anger, forgiveness, anxiousness, and fear?

"Our help is in the name of the Lord, who made heaven and earth.” 

Where do we find God’s help? We find it in the Lord’s Supper as Jesus comes to us in His body and blood and forgives our sins, strengthens our faith, and reminds us that He is with us always. 

We also find God’s help in the Bible. The wheel in today’s illustration points to some of the many sources of help that come in the name of the Lord addressing problems like:

ANGER 
“Be angry and do not sin; do not let the sun go down on your anger, and give no opportunity to the devil.” (Ephesians 4:26-27)

FORGIVENESS   
“If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” (1 John 1:9)

ANXIOUSNESS  
Cast “all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you.” (1 Peter 5:7)

FEAR
“Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” (Joshua 1:9)

And imagine, God is inviting you to look to Him in time of trouble!
“Call upon me in the day of trouble; I will deliver you, and you shall glorify me.” (Psalm 50:15 ESV)

Heavenly Father, I call upon Your name for help in dealing with the challenges of my life. Thank You for Your ultimate answer to this prayer when You sent Your Son to be my Savior from sin, death and the devil. Please help me to stay close to You today and forever. In Jesus’ saving name. 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 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!