Saint Matthew's

View Original

Rejoicing Daily in God


Today’s Bible Verse:
Psalm 118:24
ESV

This is the day that the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.


Psalm 118:24 rings out as a beacon of hope and joy in life's uncertainties and challenges. This verse has resonated with Christians throughout the ages, reminding us that each day is a gift from God, a precious opportunity to experience His love and grace.

As Lutherans, we understand that our salvation comes not from our works but from the grace of God through faith in Jesus Christ. This understanding frees us from the burden of trying to earn God's favor and allows us to embrace each day with gratitude and joy.

Reflecting on God's Gifts:

  • Creation: Every sunrise, every breath we take, every bird's song, and every flower's bloom is a testament to God's creative power and love. He has made this world for us and sustains it with His loving hand.

  • Redemption: The greatest gift of all is the gift of salvation through Jesus Christ. Through His death and resurrection, He has conquered sin and death, opening the way for us to have a relationship with God and eternal life.

  • Daily Bread: God provides for our physical and spiritual needs. He gives us food to eat, clothes to wear, and shelter from the storm. He also nourishes our souls with His Word and Sacraments.

Living in Gratitude and Joy:

How can we live out the truth of Psalm 118:24 daily?

  • Begin each day with thanksgiving. Take time to acknowledge God's presence and thank Him for the gift of a new day.

  • Look for the good in every situation. Even during trials, God is at work. He can use even the most difficult circumstances for our good and His glory.

  • Share your joy with others. Let your light shine so others may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.

Prayers

Remember:

  1. The people in the State of Florida, who are in the path of Hurricane Milton.

  2. The people of the southeast who are dealing with the destruction caused by Hurricane Helene.

  3. All people dealing with cancer

  4. Those who reject Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior.

A Prayer for Today:

Almighty God, thank You for the gift of this day. Help me to live it in gratitude and joy, trusting in your love and grace. May I see Your hand at work in all things and share Your love with those around me. 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.

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.


The photo above is licensed through Unsplash+


A Song for Today

See this content in the original post