“Believe in God…”
Today’s Bible Verse:
John 14:1 ESV
(Jesus said) “Let not your hearts be troubled. Believe in God; believe also in me.”
These words of Jesus, spoken to His disciples on the eve of His crucifixion, soothe our troubled souls. They offer comfort and hope in a world filled with uncertainty, fear, and sorrow. As Lutherans, we cling to these words, knowing that our faith in God the Father and Jesus Christ, His Son, is the anchor that keeps us steadfast in the storms of life.
Jesus' first command to His disciples was to "believe in God." This is the foundation of our faith. We believe in the one true God, the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, who created and sustains all things. We trust in His love, mercy, and promises.
Lutherans emphasize the importance of God's Word, the Bible, as the source and norm of our faith. Through the Scriptures, God reveals Himself and speaks His words of comfort and hope.
Jesus then adds, "believe also in me." This is the heart of the Christian faith. We believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God, the world's Savior. He came to earth to live a perfect life, die on the cross for our sins, and rise again, conquering death and the power of the devil.
Through faith in Jesus, we receive forgiveness of sins, eternal life, and the assurance of God's presence. We are united with Christ in His death and resurrection and are called to live in Him and for Him.
Prayers
Remember:
Florida as they recover from Hurricane Milton.
The people of the southeast who are dealing with the destruction caused by Hurricane Helene.
All people dealing with cancer
Those who reject Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior.
A Prayer for Today:
Heavenly Father, thank You for the gift of community and the encouragement we find in one another. Please help me to be a source of support and strength to those around me. Guard my heart against the deceitfulness of sin, and let my words and actions reflect Your love. May I encourage others daily, reminding them of Your promises and grace. 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.
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