"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)
Saturday, September 9, 2023 - Day 252 - (Today’s Bible readings: Ezekiel 7; Psalm 69; 1 Timothy 3:1-13)
FAITHFULNESS IN THE LAST DAYS
“But understand this, that in the last days there will come times of difficulty. For people will be lovers of self, lovers of money, proud, arrogant, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, heartless, unappeasable, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not loving good, treacherous, reckless, swollen with conceit, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, having the appearance of godliness, but denying its power. Avoid such people.” (2 Timothy 3:1-5 ESV)
Are we living in “times of difficulty?” Are people on this planet “lovers of self, lovers of money, proud, arrogant, abusive...”
Paul is directing us to respond by avoiding those who exhibit what we have just read. However, here are a few other things I think the Lord would have us do.
● Remain close to Christ by prayer, Bible study and faithful worship.
● Pray for the lost and look for ways to be God’s love to them, with the goal of developing relationships that can lead to sharing the Gospel message of Christ and His love.
● Keep our eyes on our heavenly inheritance, and help our loved ones to do the same.
1. O God, forsake me not!
Your gracious presence lend me;
Lord, lead Your helpless child;
Your Holy Spirit send me
That I my course may run.
O be my light, my lot,
My staff, my rock, my shield--
O God, forsake me not!
2. O God, forsake me not!
Take not Your Spirit from me;
Do not permit the might
Of sin to overcome me.
Increase my feeble faith,
Which You alone have wrought.
O be my strength and pow'r--
O God, forsake me not!
3. O God, forsake me not!
Lord, hear my supplication!
In ev'ry evil hour
Help me resist temptation;
And when the prince of hell
My conscience seeks to blot,
Be then not far from me--
O God, forsake me not!
4. O God, forsake me not!
Lord, I am Yours forever.
O keep me strong in faith
That I may leave You never.
Grant me a blessed end
When my good fight is fought;
Help me in life and death--
O God, forsake me not!
(“O God, Forsake Me Not,” Lutheran Service Book #731)
Lord Jesus, strengthen me for the end times. Use me to reach the lost and protect the weak before it is too late. And help all of Your people to remember that the best is yet to come. Amen.
"See" you in church tomorrow!
Pastor David Paape
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