"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 21, 2024 - Day 173 (Through the Bible in a year readings for today: Esther 4-6 Acts 5:17-42)
FOR SUCH A TIME AS THIS
“And who knows whether you have not come to the kingdom for such a time as this?” (Esther 4:14b ESV)
God puts His people in just the right place, at just the right time, for His right purposes. This certainly was true for Esther. God has placed her in the palace of King Ahasuerus at just the time when Haman was plotting to influence the king to destroy the Jews living among them. But God’s ultimate purpose, the coming promised Messiah, the Savior of the world who would come from Esther’s people, would not be thwarted by Haman’s twisted plan.
What is God’s plan for your life? Are you here for such a time as this? No, maybe your life will not be as influential to as many as was Esther’s life, but it is to those closest around you. God places you in the just the right place, at just the right time, for His right purpose today!
1. Lord, whose love in humble service
Bore the weight of human need,
Who upon the cross, forsaken,
Worked Your mercy’s perfect deed:
We, Your servants, bring the worship
Not of voice alone, but heart;
Consecrating to Your purpose
Ev’ry gift which You impart.
2. Still Your children wander homeless;
Still the hungry cry for bread;
Still the captives long for freedom;
Still in grief we mourn our dead.
As you, Lord, in deep compassion
Healed the sick and freed the soul,
by your Spirit send Your power
To our world to make it whole.
3. As we worship, grant us vision,
Till your love’s revealing light
In its height and depth and greatness
Dawns upon our quickened sight,
Making known the needs and burdens
Your compassion bids us bear,
Stirring us to ardent service,
Your abundant life to share.
4. Called by worship to Your service
Forth in Your dear name we go,
To the child, the youth, the aged,
Love in living deeds to show;
Hope and health, goodwill and comfort,
Counsel, aid, and peace we give,
That Your servants, Lord in freedom
May Your mercy know and live.
(Lutheran Service Book #848)
Thank You, heavenly Father, for Your impeccable timing in Esther’s life and in mine. Even though I may not see Your plan for my life right now, keep me aware that You know what You are doing with my life, and that You have me here for such a time as this. Above all, keep my faith strong in my Savior. And as ever, THY WILL BE DONE. Amen.
Pastor David Paape
Daily Bible Reading Chart covering the entire Bible in one year.
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