Saturday, August 17, 2024 - BLESSED BY THE LORD

"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, August 17, 2024 - Day 230 (Through the Bible in a year readings for today: Psalm 112-115; 1 Corinthians 1)

BLESSED BY THE LORD

“May you be blessed by the LORD, the Maker of heaven and earth.” (Psalm 115:15 NIV)

How are you today? For years, the answer from members of the congregations I have been privileged to serve has been: “blessed by the Lord.” We regularly express these blessings when we confess our Christian faith on Sunday mornings...

I believe in God, the Father Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth... 

And in Jesus Christ, His only Son, our Lord...

I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy Christian church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting. Amen.  (The Apostles’ Creed)

The greatest blessing from the Lord is the gift of being included in His family, the Christian Church. Through faith in Jesus you are promised the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body and the life everlasting. 

While highlighting the faithfulness of the Lord, the hymn writer recaps our blessings...

Pardon for sin and a peace that endureth,

Thy own dear presence to cheer and to guide;

Strength for today and bright hope for tomorrow,

Blessings all mine, with ten thousand beside!

Great is Thy faithfulness! Great is Thy faithfulness!

Morning by morning new mercies I see;

All I have needed Thy hand hath provided;

Great is Thy faithfulness,  Lord, unto me!

(Lutheran Service Book #809-3)

Heavenly Father, thank You for blessing me way beyond what I deserve. Please use me today to share Your blessings with others. In the saving name of Jesus. Amen.

 

May YOU always be blessed by the Lord!

“See” you in church tomorrow!

Pastor David Paape