Wednesday’s Verse:
From Luke 12:32 ESV
"Fear not, little flock, for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom."
(Next Sunday in church, we will celebrate the Reformation. Throughout this week, we will take time to reflect on this important day. Yes, I know the Reformation is not until October 31st, but that is a Saturday. The next day is November 1st, All Saints’ Day. So this coming weekend, we celebrate Luther and the Reformation.)
“And though your courage sometimes faints” – This is what the hymn “O Little Flock, Fear Not the Foe” reminds us of in the first stanza. There are times when God's people fear. But we have a Savior that will never fail us.
We can see all the problems in the world today. All the issues that the church faces and our problems in our own home. How will we ever overcome? This hymn tells us to focus on our Shepherd. “Be of good cheer; your cause belongs / To Him.” Its not about how hard we hold onto Christ but how Christ holds onto us.
Christ gave himself for us. When he was on the cross, it seemed that his enemies won. But after the resurrection they were defeated. We don't need to win this victory it was given to us by Christ.
God's sheep are a small flock, but he still cares for them. He forgives our sins through his word. He baptizes us into his kingdom and feeds us his body and blood on his altar. So let us pray and say. “Amen, Lord Jesus, grant our prayer.”
Today’s Prayers
Dear Lord, we pray that you will help us to remember that you will never fail us. Help us to forgive our sins and grow our faith in you. Until we sing praises with all your holy saints. In Jesus name. 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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