VERSE: “ALLELUIA! But immediately Jesus spoke to them, saying, ‘Take heart; it is I. Do not be afraid.’ ALLELUIA!” (Mt. 14:27; VERSE)
816; 722; 719*; 849 in Lutheran Service Book
Meditate on and learn by heart the hymn marked with an asterisk (*).
The Psalm: 18:1-6 (Pray the Psalm daily, [in its entirety if possible])
816: From All That Dwell Below the Skies
722: Lord, Take My Hand and Lead Me
719*: I Leave All Things to God’s Direction
849: Praise the One Who Breaks the Darkness
Psalm 18: 1-6
The psalmist sing’s the Lord’s praises because the Lord rescued him with awesome power and great might from a certain disaster. As we read the Scriptures, it becomes clear that God makes a habit of doing this sort of thing—not least in his Son. We have good reason to call on the Lord in distress, for he is our rock, our fortress, our deliverer who hears our voice and acts.
Job 38:4-18
The Lord’s response to Job’s question “why?” helps us recognize God’s greatness and our own limitations. By his limitless wisdom and almighty power the Lord planned and built the earth and everything in it. We whom he created do well to stand in awe of him, for all things are under his power, power which he graciously uses to provide for us.
Romans 10:5-17
Earlier in this letter St. Paul showed that it is impossible to earn righteousness by obedience to the law and told, instead of the righteousness through faith which God credits to all who believe. In this lesson Paul speaks of how such saving faith is created. God’s word does it, he says. “Faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ” (v. 17). God grant us to listen to his word, and to speak it, that our friends and neighbors and co-workers might call on the name of the Lord and be saved.
Matthew 14:22-33
How wonderful that Jesus called Peter as a disciple, bold, confident, trusting, foolish Peter. We marvel at his loyalty and shake our heads at his impetuousness. What a marvelous example of unquestioning faith and, as he fails, of God’s patience and love. God grant that we may dare great things as we trust his promises, but help us ever and always to rely only on him.
| Monday | 1 Samuel 20:24-42 | 1 Corinthians 1:1-25 |
| Tuesday | 1 Samuel 24:1-22 | 1 Corinthians 1:26-2:16 |
| Wednesday | 1 Samuel 25:1-22 | 1 Corinthians 3:1-23 |
| Thursday | 1 Samuel 25:23-44 | 1 Corinthians 4:1-21 |
| Friday | 1 Samuel 26:1-25 | 1 Corinthians 5:1-13 |
| Saturday | 1 Samuel 28:3-25 | 1 Corinthians 6:1-20 |
| Sunday | 1 Samuel 31:1-13 | 1 Corinthians 7:1-24 |
THE APOSTLES’ CREED:
What does this mean? [part 2]
He richly and daily provides me with all that I need to support this body and life. He defends me against all danger and guards and protects me from all evil. All this He does only out of fatherly, divine goodness and mercy, without any merit or worthiness in me. For all this it is my duty to thank and praise, serve and obey Him. This is most certainly true.
THE COLLECT FOR NEXT SUNDAY [Proper 14]
“Almighty and most merciful God, preserve us from all harm and danger that we, being ready in both body and soul, may cheerfully accomplish what You want done; through Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.” AMEN!
