March 16, 2020 - LORD JESUS CHRIST, BE PRESENT NOW

Day 76 - (Today’s Bible readings: 2 Chronicles 3:1-17; Psalm 71; Luke 4:42-5:11)

LORD JESUS CHRIST, BE PRESENT NOW

O God, be not far from me; O my God, make haste to help me!   (Psalm 71:12 ESV)

As the world awakes to another day of concern, fear and uncertainty brought on the coronavius pandemic, David’s words are a most fitting prayer.

● Stick close to me.

Feelings of isolation that are not uncommon to some are sure to fill many more of us as we find ourselves confined to our homes for the next month or so. Listen to this clear promise: “I will never leave you nor forsake you.” (Hebrews 13:5)

● Help me soon.

The timing of your deliverance from whatever challenges you are facing is up to your loving God. However long it takes, don’t forget what He has promised to all who repent and believe in Jesus:
“Call upon me in the day of trouble; I will deliver you, and you shall glorify me.” (Psalm 50:15)

Lord Jesus Christ, be present now;
Our hearts in true devotion bow,
Your Spirit send with light divine,
And let Your truth within us shine. Amen. 
(“Lord Jesus Christ, Be Present Now,” Lutheran Service Book, 2006, #902)

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 2020 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!