March 29, 2020 - I DECLARE

Day 89 - (Today’s Bible readings: 2 Chronicles 12:1-13:22; Psalm 83; Luke 8:26-39)

I DECLARE

The man from whom the demons had gone begged that he might be with him, but Jesus sent him away, saying, “Return to your home, and declare how much God has done for you.” And he went away, proclaiming throughout the whole city how much Jesus had done for him.  (Luke 8:38-39 ESV)

Do you think that the formerly demon-possessed man needed much encouragement to talk about what Jesus had done for me? I think not. 

Do you need encouragement to talk about what Jesus has done for you? Like the man freed from demons, we too struggle with the devil’s influence in our lives. We need the help of Jesus just as much as he did.

Luther gets to the heart of what Christ has done for us in the Explanation to the Second Article of the Apostles’ Creed:

“I believe that Jesus Christ, true God, begotten of the Father from eternity, and also true man, born of the Virgin Mary, is my Lord. Who has redeemed me, a lost and condemned person, purchased and won me from all sins, from death, and from the power of the devil; not with gold or silver, but with His holy, precious blood and with His innocent suffering and death, that I may be His own and live under Him in His kingdom and serve Him in everlasting righteousness, innocence, and blessedness, just as He is risen from the dead, lives and reigns to all eternity. This is most certainly true.” (Explanation to the Second Article of the Apostles’ Creed, Luther’s Small Catechism)

Thank the Lord and sing His praise; tell ev'ryone what He has done.
Let all who seek the Lord rejoice and proudly bear His name.  
He recalls His promises and leads His people forth in joy with shouts of thanksgiving.  
Alleluia, alleluia. 
(Post Communion Canticle, Lutheran Service Book)

Dear Lord, help me to never forget all that You have done for me. Please bless my efforts to declare this to others. Amen.

REMINDER You can participate in St. Paul’s recent virtual worship services (Sunday at 9 am) by using this link:
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLNFbkeFTQAhiGc7bafdvlPkfwnuiDfTQ9

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!