January 15, 2019 - OTHERS

Day 15 - (Today’s Bible readings: Judges 20:1-25; Psalm 14; Acts 20:17-38)
“In all things I have shown you that by working hard in this way we must help the weak and remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he himself said, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’” (Acts 20:35 ESV)

Paul is teaching us a very important life lesson. There are two kinds of people in this world, givers and takers. Paul is encouraging followers of Jesus to be givers. In Matthew’s Gospel, Jesus amplifies this lesson by telling us that whenever we help someone in need, we are actually helping Him. Whom can you help today? The hymn writer encourages us to do the same because of the love of Christ lavished upon us:

1. Love in Christ is strong and living, 
Binding faithful hearts in one;
Love in Christ is true and giving, 
May His will in us be done.

2. Love is patient and forbearing, 
Clothed in Christ’s humility,
Gentle, selfless, kind, and caring, 
Reaching out in charity.
(“Love in Christ Is Strong and Living," Lutheran Service Book #706) 

Heavenly Father motivate me by the good news of what Jesus did for me on the cross to serve You by helping others in Your name today. 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 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!