Freedom from and for, Part 2

Verse for the week: “Behold, how good and pleasant it is
    when brothers dwell in unity!”  Psalm 133.1

Prayer for the week: Almighty God, make me to know your ways, even as it means the death of my will, lead me in your truth and teach me; for you are the God of my salvation, for you my soul waits all the day long;  through Jesus Christ, your Son, our Lord. Amen.

Bible reading for the day: Ephesians 2.8-10  (Written most likely around 60 AD, Paul spent more time with the Ephesian congregation than any with any other congregation he served. The depth of his relationship with them is beautifully apparent in his epistle. These three verses sum up the entire Bible.)

⁸ For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, ⁹ not a result of works, so that no one may boast. ¹⁰ For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.

Prayer of the Day: Gracious and almighty Father, thank you that my salvation is a result of Christ’s work, not mine. Now Lord, please complete in me what you have already prepared beforehand; in Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.

Hymn: follow this link to a beloved classic that gives further voice to today’s conversation with the Lord: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=otQ3cakDr-c&ab_channel=MartijndeGroot

“thy kingdom come…”

What does this mean?  God’s kingdom comes indeed without our prayer; but we ask in this petition that it come also to us.

When does this happen?  God’s kingdom comes when our heavenly Father gives us his Holy Spirit, so that by his grace we believe his holy Word and live a godly life on earth now and in heaven forever. (from The Small Catechism, by Martin Luther)

Benediction: For the Lord takes pleasure in his people;
    he adorns the humble with salvation.   Psalm 149.4

 

*This is now our congregation’s 99^th year in the Word. In 2025, we are reading from Genesis to Revelation, with a few interludes along the way.