Our Anthem as Christians
Friday’s Verse:
From 2 Corinthians 11:30 ESV
“If I must boast, I will boast of the things that show my weakness.”
The world trains us to boast in our strength, success, and independence. St. Paul proclaims a different gospel: he boasts in weakness, for it is in our weakness that the grace and power of God are made known. As Lutherans, we can read this verse and remember that we do not stand before God because of what we have done, but only by His mercy in Christ.
That is wonderful news for tired old sinners like you and me. In our weakness, when life presses us down or strips us of our accomplishments, the Lord is not lost. He is close at hand, carrying us by His word and promises. In our weakness Christ is glorified, for it is there that His strength becomes perfect.
Therefore, Paul’s anthem of boasting should be our anthem as Christians: boast not in ourselves, but in the Lord who graciously saves the weak, forgives the repentant sinner, and upholds His Church by His grace alone.
✝️ A Prayer for Today:
Lord Jesus Christ, make us a people who boast not in ourselves but in Your mercy. In our weakness may Your power be made known, and in our times of need may we ever cling to Your promises. Amen.
Apostles’ Creed:
I believe in God, the Father Almighty, maker of heaven and earth.
And in Jesus Christ, His only Son, our Lord, who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died and was buried. He descended into hell. The third day He rose again from the dead. He ascended into heaven and sits at the right hand of God the Father Almighty. From thence He will come to judge the living and the dead.
I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy Christian Church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting. Amen.
The Lord’s Prayer:
Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be Thy name, Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven; give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For Thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever and ever. Amen.
Luther’s Morning Prayer:
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.
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