May 10, 2019 - BE PATIENT!

Day 130 - (Today’s Bible readings: Proverbs 20, Psalm 119:17-24; James 5:1-19)

“Be patient, therefore, brothers, until the coming of the Lord. See how the farmer waits for the precious fruit of the earth, being patient about it, until it receives the early and the late rains. You also, be patient. Establish your hearts, for the coming of the Lord is at hand. Do not grumble against one another, brothers, so that you may not be judged; behold, the Judge is standing at the door.”  (James 5:7-9 ESV)

James is encouraging Christians to wait patiently for the Day of the Lord. “See how the farmer waits for the precious fruit of the earth, being patient about it, until it receives the early and the late rains.” He is calling believers to have the patience of a farmer.

Next he instructs us to prepare for the end by getting our hearts ready. “Establish your hearts, for the coming of the Lord is at hand.” Make sure you are ready for the Last Day and YOUR LAST DAY! How can you be ready?

● Talk to the Lord daily (prayer).
● Read His Word and develop the practice of daily devotions (like Portals of Prayer).
● Worship the Lord weekly so that He can come to You in His Word and Sacraments.
● Listen to Him.
● Follow Him.
● Trust Him.
● Share Him.

Be still, my soul; the Lord is on your side; 
Bear patiently the cross of grief or pain;
Leave to your God to order and provide; 
In ev’ry change he faithful will remain.
Be still, my soul; your best, your heav’nly Friend 
Through thorny ways leads to a joyful end.
(Be Still, My Soul, Lutheran Service Book, CPH. 2006, #752, stanza 1)

Heavenly Father, help me wait patiently for You to take me home. Until then, strengthen me with Your Word, Your presence and Your power, all through Jesus Christ, my Savior. 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!