February 9, 2020 - CHRISTIAN PERSECUTION

Day 40 - (Today’s Bible readings: Isaiah 51:12-23; Psalm 37:23-40; John 16:25-33)

CHRISTIAN PERSECUTION

“I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33 ESV)

LCMS President Matthew Harrison wrote: “The 20th century was the bloodiest in Christian history with the death of tens of millions at the hands of Communist regimes. Now, we are continuously shocked by Islamic radicals persecuting and killing Christians daily in the Middle East and Africa. Meanwhile, our consciences vacillate as we sense the cultural shift in the U.S. that has produced an increasing avalanche of harassment and is likely to get much worse.”

“In this world you will have tribulation.” Jesus is warning us that life on this earth may not be peaceful. Peter warned with these words: “Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.” (1 Peter 5:8 ESV)

Not very uplifting. But wait. Jesus has something to add: “But take heart; I have overcome the world.” 

Thank You, Lord Jesus, for overcoming sin, death and the devil by Your death on Calvary’s cross. Help me to remember that, no matter how difficult life may get for me now, because You have overcome, I too have overcome and will live with You in eternity. Amen.

"See" you at the Communion rail this morning!

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!