Day 319 - (Today’s Bible readings: Daniel 8:1-27; Psalm 119:65-72; 2 Peter 3:14-18)
FAITHFULNESS NO MATTER WHAT
“So Daniel prospered during the reign of Darius and the reign of Cyrus the Persian.” (Daniel 6:28 ESV)
There is so much packed into these first six chapters of Daniel. Daniel, Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego find themselves captive in Babylon. King Nebuchadnezzar’s fiery furnace provides the opportunity for us to witness God’s miraculous protection of those who honor Him. The handwriting on the wall is interpreted by Daniel, and the king, who was found wanting, dies. Darius, who assumes the throne of Babylon and Persia, is tricked into sending Daniel into a den of lions, and also gets to witness God’s amazing protection of one of His faithful servants.
The lesson is the same for us us today. Remain faithful to the one true God in the middle of a culture that wants us to do just the opposite. Listen to Jesus’ words of encouragement:
“In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33 ESV)
1. Jesus, lead Thou on till our rest is won;
And although the way be cheerless,
We will follow calm and fearless.
Guide us by Thy hand to our fatherland.
2. If the way be drear, if the foe be near,
Let not faithless fears o'ertake us;
Let not faith and hope forsake us;
For through many a woe to our home we go.
3. When we seek relief from a long-felt grief;
When temptations come alluring,
Make us patient and enduring;
Show us that bright shore where we weep no more.
4. Jesus, lead Thou on till our rest is won.
Heavenly Leader still direct us,
Still support, control, protect us,
Till we safely stand in our fatherland.
(“Jesus, Lead Thou On,” Lutheran Service Book #718)
Heavenly Father, thank You for the examples of faithfulness to You in the middle of very trying circumstances. Please strengthen my faith in You and my desire to serve only You. In the name of Jesus, my risen Savior. Amen.
LINK to St. Paul’s 9 am online Sunday Worship Service:
Password now required too: 843774
IN CHURCH SUNDAY SERVICE and Parking Lot Worship Service 9 am
both with Holy Communion
IN CHURCH WEDNESDAY SERVICE 7 pm with Holy Communion
Youtube link to all previously recorded services:
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:
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!
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