"I thank you, my heavenly Father, through Jesus Christ, Your dear Son, that You have kept me this night from all harm and danger; and I pray that You would keep me this day also from sin and every evil, that all my doings and life may please You. For into Your hands I commend myself, my body and soul, and all things. Let Your holy angel be with me, that the evil foe may have no power over me. Amen." (Luther's Morning Prayer)
Day 111 - (Today’s Bible readings: Proverbs 6:1-19; Psalm 103; Hebrews 10:1-10)
GOD HATES BAD CHOICES, BUT...
“There are six things that the Lord hates, seven that are an abomination to him; haughty eyes, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood, a heart that devises wicked plans, feet that make haste to run to evil, a false witness who breathes out lies, and one who sows discord among brothers.” (Proverbs 6:16-19 ESV)
Look at this list of bad choices we find in our selection today from Proverbs.
- haughty eyes,
- a lying tongue,
- hands that shed innocent blood,
- a heart that devises wicked plans,
- feet that make haste to run to evil,
- a false witness who breathes out lies,
- one who sows discord among brothers.”
Do you notice how these bad choices are all directed at others for the supposed benefit of self? But God hates them. And that is understandable, because God has called to love one another instead.
The problem is that we like putting ourselves first. No, not all of us lie, kill or stir up trouble between “brothers.” But we are sinners just the same.
This fact takes us back to the events of this past weekend - the death and resurrection of Jesus and this clear promise of hope.
“God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” (Romans 5:8)
Jesus is the good choice. Actually, “In love he predestined us for adoption to himself as sons through Jesus Christ, according to the purpose of his will.” (Ephesians 1:5) God has chosen us.
Gracious heavenly Father, thank You for Your good and gracious choice of me to be one of Your precious children. Thank You for sending Jesus to pay for all of my bad choices. In the name of my Savior, Jesus. Amen.
Pastor David Paape
“Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path” (Psalm 119:105 ), undergirds 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 2022 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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