Saturday, October 05, 2024 - GROW IN KNOWLEDGE AND DISCERNMENT

"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, October 05, 2024 - Day 279 (Through the Bible in a year readings for today: Isaiah 31-33; Philippians 1)

GROW IN KNOWLEDGE AND DISCERNMENT

“And it is my prayer that your love may abound more and more, with knowledge and all discernment, so that you may approve what is excellent, and so be pure and blameless for the day of Christ.” (Philippians 1:9-10 ESV) 

Paul’s wants Christian love to grow in the lives of God’s people to such an extent that we will be able to distinguish between what is from God (that which is excellent) and what is from the devil. What can we do to grow in this manner? The answer is so simple. God wants us to read, mark, learn and inwardly digest His Word, the Bible. 

The picture clearly reminds us that we grow in Christ by spending time in His Word. When we invest time in reading the Bible, our love for God and for people grows. The knowledge imparted to us from the sacred pages teaches us what is excellent and pure. It shows us Christ’s cross, our forgiveness, and our calling to live for Him. 

 1. Speak, O Lord, Your servant listens,

Let Your Word to me come near;

Newborn life and spirit give me,

Let each promise still my fear.

Death's dread pow'r, its inward strife;

Wars against Your Word of life;

Fill me, Lord, with love's strong fervor

That I cling to You forever!

  2. Oh, what blessing to be near You

And to listen to Your voice;

Let me ever love and hear You,

Let Your Word be now my choice!

Many hardened sinners, Lord,

Flee in terror at Your Word;

But to all who feel sin's burden

You give words of peace and pardon.

 3. Lord, Your words are waters living

When my thirsting spirit pleads.

Lord, Your words are bread life-giving

On Your words my spirit feeds.

Lord, Your words will be my light

through death's cold and dreary night;

Yes, they are my sword prevailing

And my cup of joy unfailing!

 4. As I pray, dear Jesus, hear me;

Let Your words in me take root.

May Your Spirit e'er be near me

That I bear abundant fruit.

May I daily sing Your praise,

From my heart glad anthems raise,

Till my highest praise is given

In the endless joy of heaven.

(“Speak, O Lord, Your Servant Listens,” LSB 589)

Blessed Lord, You have caused all Holy Scriptures to be written for our learning. Grant that we may so hear them, read, mark, learn, and inwardly digest them that, by patience and comfort of Your holy Word, we may embrace and ever hold fast the blessed hope of everlasting life; through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.

“See” you in church tomorrow morning!

Pastor David Paape