January 1, 2019 - BEGIN 2019 WITH JESUS

Day 364 - (Today’s Bible readings: Judges 19; Psalm 1; Acts 15:22-35)

Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the wicked, nor stands in the way of sinners, nor sits in the seat of scoffers; but his delight is in the law of the Lord, and on his law he meditates day and night. (Psalm 1:1-2)

Psalm 1 is David’s encouragement to be in the Word of God. The great blessing of taking his advice is being able to spend more time with Jesus. What a great New Year’s resolution, read the Bible and learn more about your Jesus. Today we begin day 1 in our Bible reading calendar. Resolve to begin today. 

The hymn writer has similar thoughts:

    ♬ With the Lord begin your task; Jesus will direct it. 
For His aid and counsel ask; Jesus will perfect it. 
Ev’ry morn with Jesus rise, And when day is ended, 
In His name then close your eyes; Be to Him commended. 
(Lutheran Service Book, Concordia Publishing House, 2006, #869) 

Heavenly Father, bless my time in Your Word this year. Thank You for giving mankind this precious book that focuses on Jesus and His cross. Bless my efforts to lift high the cross and proclaim the love of Christ this entire year. Amen.

     0 Lord Christ, our Savior dear,
     Be Thou ever near us.
     Grant us now a glad new year.
     Amen, Jesus, hear us! 
     (Lutheran Service Book, Concordia Publishing House, 2006, #390)

May the Lord bless each day of this new year as you spend time in His precious Word!

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 2019 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!