Sunday, October 27, 2024 - GUARD THE GOOD, READ THE BIBLE!

"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)

Sunday, October 27, 2024 - Day 301 (Through the Bible in a year readings for today: Jeremiah 20-22; 2 Timothy 1)

GUARD THE GOOD, READ THE BIBLE!

“Follow the pattern of the sound words that you have heard from me, the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus. By the Holy Spirit who dwells within us, guard the good deposit entrusted to you.” (2 Timothy 1:13-14 ESV) 

When promoting the safety of their depositors money, banks will often display signs announcing that funds in that bank are insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC). Paul is encouraging the young pastor, Timothy, to guard a much more valuable deposit, namely, his faith and love in Christ. 

Instead of armed guards and bank vaults to guard this spiritual deposit, all we need is the Holy Spirit. He does this by guiding us to follow the pattern of sound words found in the Bible. So guard the good deposit of faith God has given you by spending time in His Word every day. 

1. How precious is the Book Divine,

    By inspiration given!

    Bright as a lamp its doctrines shine

    To guide our souls to heaven. 

2. It's light, descending from above

    Our gloomy world to cheer,

    Displays a Savior's boundless love

    And brings his glories near. 

3. It shows to man his wandering ways

    And where his feet have trod,

    And brings to view the matchless grace

    Of a forgiving God. 

4. O'er all the straight and narrow way

    Its radiant beams are cast;

    A light whose never weary ray

    Grows brightest at the last. 

5. It sweetly cheers our drooping hearts

    In this dark vale of tears,

    Life, light, and joy it still imparts

    And quells our rising fears. 

6. This lamp through all the tedious night

    Of life shall guide our way

    Till we behold the clearer light

    Of an eternal day. 

    (The Lutheran Hymnal #285)

Link to video of hymn:

https://youtu.be/kaE4myoQVuY?si=li7UHo9qffoPtDSp

Heavenly Father, thank You for the gift of faith You have given me in Jesus, my Savior. May Your Holy Spirit guide and protect me so that this gift may be kept safely in my heart. Amen.

“See” you at the Communion rail this morning!

Pastor David Paape