Wednesday, October 23, 2019 - LORD, I BELIEVE...

Day 296 - (Today’s Bible readings: 1 Chronicles 6:61-81; Psalm 108)

“And they brought the boy to him. And when the spirit saw him, immediately it convulsed the boy, and he fell on the ground and rolled about, foaming at the mouth...”  (Mark 9:20 ff ESV)

In today’s reading, Jesus is teaching us to always trust Him. The father of a  boy possessed by an evil spirit is about to learn that all things are possible for those who believe in Jesus. “If you can do anything, have compassion on us and help us.” 

The truth is that Jesus can do anything. He is God. There is nothing He cannot do. 23 And Jesus said to him, “If you can’! All things are possible for one who believes.”

The father shows us how to respond to God. Immediately the father of the child cried out and said, “I believe; help my unbelief!” 

Jesus answers the father’s tenuous request in a dramatic manner. 
“You mute and deaf spirit, I command you, come out of him and never enter him again.”  And after crying out and convulsing him terribly, it came out.”

What do you do when you have doubts? Cry out to the Lord to “help your unbelief,” and He will!

1. Oh, for a faith that will not shrink 
    Tho' pressed by many a foe;
    That will not tremble on the brink 
    Of poverty or woe;

3. A faith that shines more bright and clear 
    When tempests rage without;
    That, when in danger, knows no fear, 
    In darkness feels no doubt;

5. A faith that keeps the narrow way 
    Till life's last spark is fled
    And with a pure and heavenly ray 
    Lights up the dying bed.

6. Lord, give us such a faith as this; 
    And then, whate'er may come,
    We'll taste e'en now the hallowed bliss 
    Of an eternal home.
("Oh, for a Faith That Will Not Shrink," The Lutheran Hymnal, CPH 1941, #396)

Teach me to trust You, O Lord, especially when I have my doubts. Remind me that You have already taken care of my biggest need when You died in my place on the cross. 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!