The Close of the Commandments
What does God say about all these commandments?
He says, “I, the LORD your God, am a jealous God, punishing the children for the sin of the fathers to the third and fourth generation of those who hate Me, but showing love to a thousand generations of those who love Me and keep My commandments.” (Ex. 20: 5–6)
What does this mean? God threatens to punish all who break these commandments. Therefore, we should fear His wrath and not do anything against them. But He promises grace and every blessing to all who keep these commandments. Therefore, we should also love and trust in Him and gladly do what He commands.
Today’s Bible Verses: Isaiah 42:8
I am the Lord; that is my name; my glory I give to no other, nor my praise to carved idols.
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Our God does not want to share us with other '“gods.” Why? He is our Creator, Redeemer, and Sanctifier. When we focus on other “gods” in the way the live, our Father in heaven does get jealous. By devoting time to idols in this life, we move away from our God who calls us on to be faithful as He is faithful to us. Let us use this Friday to focus on our lives in Christ Jesus, our Savior, the one who fulfills His Father’s promises of winning salvation for us on the cross.
PRAYERS
Keep in Your Prayers:
The people of the Midwest who are cleaning up after tornadoes on Thursday night and Friday morning.
Those who reject Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior.
Prayer for Friday:
You are my Creator, Redeemer, and Sanctifier, dear God in heaven. Keep me mindful of Your grace and mercy to me throughout my Friday as I serve You and others. In Jesus’ name, I pray. 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.. 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.
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