Tuesday, October 22, 2024 - FIGHT THE GOOD FIGHT

 

"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)

Tuesday, October 22, 2024 - Day 296 (Through the Bible in a year readings for today: Jeremiah 7,8; 1 Timothy 2)

FIGHT THE GOOD FIGHT

“Fight the good fight of faith. Take hold of eternal life to which you were called...” (1 Timothy 6:12 ESV)

Remaining faithful to Christ in our godless world can be a struggle. Paul encouraged the young pastor, Timothy, to fight the good fight of faith. You and I are encouraged to do the same,

The picture reminds us of Moses and his good fight of faith. God granted victory as long as faithful Moses held up his hand.  But Moses needed the help of Aaron and Hur in order to remain faithful. 

So Joshua did as Moses told him, and fought with Amalek... Whenever Moses held up his hand, Israel prevailed, and whenever he lowered his hand, Amalek prevailed. But Moses’ hands grew weary, so they took a stone and put it under him, and he sat on it, while Aaron and Hur held up his hands, one on one side, and the other on the other side. So his hands were steady until the going down of the sun. And Joshua overwhelmed Amalek and his people with the sword. (Exodus 17:10-13 ESV)

Who is your Aaron and Hur? Who is helping you to remain faithful? Who needs you to be an Aaron or Hur so that you can remain faithful?

The Lord wants to uphold your hands with His Word and with Holy Communion. In these treasures we find the faith-strengthening good news of Jesus’ sacrifice in payment for your sins. Talk about an uplifting message! 

   1. Fight the good fight with all your might;

Christ is your strength, and Christ your right.

Lay hold on life, and it shall be

Your joy and crown eternally.

   2. Run the straight race through God's good grace;

Lift up your eyes, and seek His face.

Life with its way before us lies;

Christ is the path, and Christ the prize.

   3. Cast care aside, lean on your guide;

His boundless mercy will provide.

Trust, and enduring faith shall prove

Christ is your life and Christ your love.

   4. Faint not nor fear, His arms are near;

He changes not who holds you dear;

Only believe, and you will see

That Christ is all eternally.

(Lutheran Service Book #664)

Lord Jesus, thank You for holding up my hands so that I remain faithful  to You. And thank You for those around me whom You are using to bless me. May I be a blessing to others too.  Amen.

Pastor David Paape