April 24, 2019 - ENCOURAGEMENT AND WORSHIP

Day 114 - (Today’s Bible readings: Proverbs 7; Psalm 105; Hebrews 10:19-31)

“And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.” (Hebrews 10:24-25 ESV)

The writer to the Hebrews reminds that the Day is drawing near. Judgement Day is coming soon. His advice is that we spend our remaining time encouraging, or stirring up one another to love and good works. 

Since love and good works flow from a close relationship with God, he calls to “not neglect to meet together, as is the habit of some.” God comes to us in worship and strengthens our faith and prepares us for lives of faithful service.

As we worship, grant us vision, 
Till Your love’s revealing light, 
Till the height and depth and greatness 
Dawns upon our quickened sight: 
Making known the needs and burdens 
Your compassion bids us bear, 
Stirring us to faithful service, 
Your abundant life to share.
(“Lord, Whose Love In Humble Service,” Lutheran Service Book #848)

Heavenly Father, may I find in the cross of my Savior the motivation to live a life of love and good works, all to Your glory. Please grant me a strong desire to meet with my brothers and sisters in Your house on a weekly basis, so that You can feed my soul with Your precious Word and Sacraments. As You encourage me, may I also encourage others. 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!