"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)
Thursday, October 03, 2024 - Day 277 (Through the Bible in a year readings for today: Isaiah 27,28; Ephesians 5)
WALK WITH JESUS
“Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children. And walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.” (Ephesians 5:1-2 ESV)
LET US EVER WALK WITH JESUS! Paul encourages us to follow the best role model of all, God Himself! He then gives us two examples of how this kind of imitation looks, one positive and one negative.
What God wants us to do: “And walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.”
What God does not want us to do: “But sexual immorality and all impurity or covetousness must not even be named among you, as is proper among saints. Let there be no filthiness nor foolish talk nor crude joking, which are out of place, but instead let there be thanksgiving.” (Ephesians 5:3-4 ESV)
May we be positive role models as we walk in Christ-like love.
1. Let us ever walk with Jesus,
Follow His example pure,
Through the world that would deceive us
And to sin our spirits lure.
Onward in His footsteps treading,
Pilgrims here, our home above,
Full of faith and hope and love,
Let us do the Father's bidding.
Faithful Lord, with me abide;
I shall follow where You guide.
2. Let us suffer here with Jesus,
And with patience bear our cross.
Joy will follow all our sadness;
Where He is, there is no loss,
Though today we sow no laughter,
We shall reap celestial joy;
And discomforts that annoy
Shall give way to mirth here after.
Jesus, here I share Your woe;
Help me there Your joy to know.
3. Let us gladly die with Jesus.
Since by death He conquered death,
He will free us from destruction,
Give to us immortal breath.
Let us mortify all passion
That would lead us into sin;
And the grave that shuts us in
Shall but prove the gate to heaven.
Jesus, here with You I die,
There to live with You on high.
4. Let us also live with Jesus;
He has risen from the dead
That to life we may awaken.
Jesus, You are now our head!
We are Your own living members;
Where You live, there we shall be
In Your presence constantly,
Living there with You forever.
Jesus, let me faithful be,
Life eternal grant to me.
(Lutheran Service Book #685)
Almighty God, please forgive me for the many times that I fail to imitate You. May I walk in the love of Jesus and be a positive Christian witness to others. Amen.
Pastor David Paape
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