Sunday’s Verse:
From Amos 5:24 ESV
“But let justice roll down like waters, and righteousness like an everflowing stream.”
Amos’ words today challenge us. God's people are singing and offering to him. But He says that He will not accept their worship because they have allowed justice not to be practiced toward their neighbor. Their singing will not cover the crying of the poor.
This is a word we need to hear as well. We can say we believe on Sunday and turn a blind eye to our neighbor on Monday. The law shows us how far we are from loving our neighbor as we should.
Our hope is not that we can reach a point where we deserve God's acceptance. It is in Jesus Christ who died and rose again for us sinners. When the law condemns us, we are not directed to trust in ourselves but in Him.
We are not left in that place when we receive this grace. As children of Christ, we are called to look towards our neighbors. Hear that person whom no one is listening to. Give to the person who needs something. Stand against that which hurts the less fortunate. Not so that we can buy God's love for us, but because He loves us through Christ.
Today’s Prayers
Lord, forgive us when our worship does not reflect our walk. Remind us of Christ's forgiveness and let us walk in that mercifulness towards our neighbor. 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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