Prayer
The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters. He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name’s sake. Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the LORD for ever (Psalm 23) Amen!
Today’s Hymn
Words: Samuel Medley, 1775.
I KNOW THAT MY REDEEMER LIVES (Medley)
Click here for tune.
I know that my Redeemer lives;
What comfort this sweet sentence gives!
He lives, He lives, who once was dead;
He lives, my ever living Head.
He lives to bless me with His love,
He lives to plead for me above.
He lives my hungry soul to feed,
He lives to help in time of need.
He lives triumphant from the grave,
He lives eternally to save,
He lives all glorious in the sky,
He lives exalted there on high.
He lives to grant me rich supply,
He lives to guide me with His eye,
He lives to comfort me when faint,
He lives to hear my soul’s complaint.
He lives to silence all my fears,
He lives to wipe away my tears
He lives to calm my troubled heart,
He lives all blessings to impart.
He lives, my kind, wise, heavenly Friend,
He lives and loves me to the end;
He lives, and while He lives, I’ll sing;
He lives, my Prophet, Priest, and King.
He lives and grants me daily breath;
He lives, and I shall conquer death:
He lives my mansion to prepare;
He lives to bring me safely there.
He lives, all glory to His Name!
He lives, my Jesus, still the same.
Oh, the sweet joy this sentence gives,
I know that my Redeemer lives!
Thought Provoker
One of the sure marks of genuine Christian faith is a love for fellow Christians (1 John 3:14). What does it mean to love the brethren? How are we to display this love for fellow believers in Christ? For many, brotherly love is a one hour one day a week love. It is a Sunday only “lip love.” True Christian love doesn’t evaporate as you exit the church doors. You might be surprised to discover from today’s passage that the most common display of true Christian love is most uncommonly found in today’s church.
Dad’s Study
When is the last time your love for the brethren was displayed by opening your home to strangers? You do not have to go out looking for them; you will find them in your local church. How many members or visitors have you had in your home during the past year? Take out your calendar and the church directory and invite strangers into your home for a meal or a cup of coffee. Perhaps your mind is being flooded with obstacles standing in your way such as, But, our home is too small; we don’t have much furniture; our house is a mess; we don’t have the funds, or . . any other objections that come to your mind. Don’t let little obstacles become excuses for not loving. One of my warmest times of hospitality was in a little 7′ x 8′ living room with two hard back chairs. Hospitality does not have to be expensive. Your cupboard more than likely has all the ingredients for coffee and dessert. The next time a traveling pastor or missionary visits your church volunteer your spare bedroom. Your act of love will bring joy to the stranger and a blessing to your family. I highly recommend, “Face to Face” written by Steve Wilkins for additional reading and encouragement on hospitality
Click here for Matthew Henry’s Commentary.
Truth in Practice
We see in Isaiah 59 the extensive wickedness of the depravity of man and the extensive mercy of a loving God. They stand in sharp contrast to one another. For the sinner who is still groping in darkness like a blind man this passage cries out to you to come to the Redeemer and be brought into His kingdom of light. Repent of your sin, trust in Christ for eternal life and know what it is to have peace with God. For the redeemed saint this is a reminder of the greatness and the glory of your God who has saved you from such iniquity, who has shown you great mercy and who makes and covenant with Christ your Redeemer that He will put His words in your mouth and they will not depart to the 3rd generation. Therefore we are to be diligent to speak the Word of truth and proclaim the Gospel of our Lord to our children and our children’s children and a world lost in darkness around us until He comes.
Catechism
Question 44
Q. Which is the second commandment?
A. The second commandment is, “Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven image, or any likeness of any thing that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth: Thou shalt not bow down thyself to them, nor serve them: for I the Lord thy God am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children unto the third and fourth generation of them that hate me; and shewing mercy unto thousands of them that love me, and keep my commandments.”
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