Friday, September 20, 2024

Saturday, September 21, 2024 - WEAK BUT STRONG


"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 21, 2024 - Day 265 (Through the Bible in a year readings for today: Song of Sol. 1-3 2 Cor. 12)

WEAK BUT STRONG 

“But he said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.’ For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong.” (2 Corinthians 12:9-10 ESV) 

Are you content with “weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities?” Paul was! He had learned to contentedly rely on the Lord at all times and in all circumstances. 

Paul got it. It happened to him on the road to Damascus, when the Lord appeared to him and changed him from a fire-breathing persecutor of Christians to a faithful follower and proclaimer of Christ. Yes, Paul got it. He knew that since He could trust God to take care of his soul, he could also trust the Lord to work through his human weaknesses. He knew what you and I need to know. God’s grace is sufficient for us too, since His power is made perfect in our weaknesses.

What comfort for imperfect, error-prone sinners like us. God still uses us. He used stuttering Moses, doubting Thomas, and Paul the convert. So, give thanks, God has a plan for imperfect you as well.

   Give thanks with a grateful heart,
   Give thanks to the Holy One.
   Give thanks because He's given Jesus Christ, His Son.

   Give thanks with a grateful heart,
   Give thanks to the Holy One.
   Give thanks because He's given Jesus Christ, His Son.

   And now let the weak say, "I am strong,"
   Let the poor say, "I am rich,”
   Because of what the Lord has done for us.

   And now let the weak say, "I am strong,"
   Let the poor say, "I am rich,”
   Because of what the Lord has done for us.

   Give thanks, give thanks.
   (Lutheran Service Book # 806)

Heavenly Father, thank You for Your power in my imperfect life. Above all, I thank and praise You for the words of forgiveness my pastor proclaims every Sunday. In Jesus’ saving name. Amen.

“See” you in church tomorrow morning!

Pastor David Paape

Daily Bible Reading Chart covering the entire Bible in one year. 

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