Just what a refugee like you needs

Verse for the week: “God chose what is foolish in the world to shame the wise, God chose what is weak in the world to shame the strong.” I Corinthians 1.27

Prayer for the week: “Almighty and merciful God, fulfill in us your promises and grant that when that day shall come we may sit down with all the redeemed at the heavenly feast and praise you in eternal light; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.” (K.B. Ritter, Gebete fur das jahr der Kirche, 2^nd  ed. Kassel: Barenreiter Verlag, 1948, p. 219). 

Bible reading for the day:  Psalm 91.9-16

  Because you have made the LORD your refuge,

    the Most High your dwelling place,

¹⁰    no evil shall befall you,

    no scourge come near your tent.

¹¹    For he will command his angels concerning you

    to guard you in all your ways.

¹²    On their hands they will bear you up,

    so that you will not dash your foot against a stone.

¹³    You will tread on the lion and the adder,

    the young lion and the serpent you will trample under foot.

¹⁴    Those who love me, I will deliver;

    I will protect those who know my name.

¹⁵    When they call to me, I will answer them;

    I will be with them in trouble,

    I will rescue them and honor them.

¹⁶    With long life I will satisfy them,

    and show them my salvation.

Prayer (based on T.R.I.P. method**): Gracious and almighty Father, thank you for making Christ my true refuge.  Repent me and your church of seeking cover in anyone or anything other than him, because in doing so we ensnare ourselves and others.  So today, drive me and my brothers & sisters from all false covers and right to Christ...that we may delight in his rescue of us from the devil, the world, and our sinful selves and even be honored in your courts. I ask this in Jesus’ name, amen.

Hymn: follow this link to a classic, beloved hymn that connects with today’s conversation with our Lord: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O6k8DFb8fWs

I believe in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord…

What does this mean?

I believe that Jesus Christ — true God, begotten of the Father from eternity, and also true man, born of the Virgin Mary — is my Lord. He has redeemed me, a lost and condemned creature, and has freed me from sin, death, and the power of the devil, not with silver and gold, but with his holy and precious blood and his innocent suffering and death. He has done all this in order that I might be his own, live under him in his kingdom, and serve him in everlasting righteousness, innocence, and blessedness, even as he is risen from the dead and lives and reigns for all eternity. This is most certainly true! (from The Small Catechism, by Martin Luther, ©Reclaim Resources, Sola Publishing 2011)

Benediction:  May the God of peace himself grow you in his will entirely; and may your spirit and soul and body be kept sound and blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.  The one who calls you is faithful, and he will do this.  Amen.  (I Thess 5.23)

*There are many patterns for devotions.  This pattern has been followed by God’s people for centuries.

**The T.R.I.P. approach to prayer is based on the way Martin Luther prayed and taught others to pray.  It was later developed by Walter and Ingrid Trobisch and then adapted by Mount Carmel Ministries (Alexandria, MN www.dailytext.com).  The method is founded on scripture and easy to remember:                                                                                        T: thanksgiving

                                                          R: repentance

                                                          I: intercession (asking God to take a specific action)

                                                          P: plan or purpose

Reading a biblical text and then applying this method gives one a sound, simple way to form one’s prayers...not to mention that it helps one learn how to faithfully reflect on God’s Word and talk to God.