Thursday, June 1, 2023

Friday, June 2, 2023 - ARE YOU LOOKING UP?


"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

Friday, June 2, 2023 - Day 153 - (Today’s Bible readings: Jeremiah 7:1-29; Psalm 120-121; Acts 4:23-31)

ARE YOU LOOKING UP?

“I lift up my eyes to the hills.
    From where does my help come?
 My help comes from the Lord,
    who made heaven and earth.
 He will not let your foot be moved;
    he who keeps you will not slumber.
 Behold, he who keeps Israel
    will neither slumber nor sleep.” 
      (Psalm 121:1-4 ESV)

When a person is ill, perhaps hospitalized, and lying in a bed, there is only one direction to look–up. Whenever we find ourselves incapacitated for whatever reason, there is only one direction to look for comfort and deliverance.

“I lift up my eyes to the hills. From where does my help come? My help comes in the name of the Lord, who made heaven and earth.” 

Just think. The Creator of everything wants you to turn to Him in your need. He promises to always hear your fervent prayer and to answer you in a way that is best for you.

1. What a Friend we have in Jesus, 
        Our sins and griefs to bear!  
What a privilege to carry 
        Ev’rything to God in prayer!
Oh, what peace we often forfeit, 
        Oh, what needless pain we bear,
All because we do not carry 
        Everything to God in prayer.

2. Have we trials and temptations?  
        Is there trouble anywhere?
We should never be discouraged, 
        Take it to the Lord in prayer.
Can we find a Friend so faithful 
        Who will all our sorrows share?
Jesus knows our every weakness - 
        Take it to the Lord in prayer.

3. Are we weak and heavy laden, 
        Cumbered with a load of care?
Precious Savior, still our Refuge - 
        Take it to the Lord in prayer.
Do thy friends despise, forsake thee?  
        Take it to the Lord in prayer;
In His arms He'll take and shield thee, 
        Thou wilt find a solace there.
(“What a Friend We Have in Jesus,” Lutheran Service Book #770)

Almighty God, please hear my prayer as I look up to You for deliverance from the woes of life. Above all, please deliver me from sin, death and the devil, that I may be Your child today, tomorrow and forever.  Amen.

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:
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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