"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
Wednesday, August 9, 2023 - Day 221 - (Today’s Bible readings: Jeremiah 51:1-11; Psalm 38; Ephesians 5:1-21)
IMITATE GOD
“Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children. And walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.” (Ephesians 5:1-2 ESV)
The picture speaks volumes, reminding us that others may be looking to us as role models. Paul encourages us to follow the best role model of all, God Himself! He then gives us two examples of how this kind of imitation looks, one positive and one negative.
What God wants us to do: “And walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.”
What God does not want us to do: “But sexual immorality and all impurity or covetousness must not even be named among you, as is proper among saints. Let there be no filthiness nor foolish talk nor crude joking, which are out of place, but instead let there be thanksgiving.” (Ephesians 5:3-4 ESV)
May we be positive role models as we walk in Christ-like love.
Let us ever walk with Jesus,
Follow His example pure,
Through the world that would deceive us
And to sin our spirits lure.
Onward in His footsteps treading,
Pilgrims here, our home above,
Full of faith and hope and love,
Let us do the Father's bidding.
Faithful Lord, with me abide;
I shall follow where You guide.
(“Let Us Ever Walk With Jesus,” LSB 685-1)
Almighty God, please forgive me for the many times that I fail to imitate You. May I walk in the love of Jesus and be a positive Christian witness to others. 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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