Tag Archives: God’s care

December 5
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“For we do not have a high priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but One who has been tempted in all things as we are, yet without sin.  Therefore let us draw near with confidence to the throne of grace, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.”  (Hebrews 4:15-16, NASB)

There are times when it seems as if trouble and adversity are predators and we are stalked like prey.

At such times, God’s word reminds us that we are far from alone in our condition: Prone to anxiety and bent toward fear.  There is One who has been where we are.  There is One who has faced what we are facing, and that One has emerged from the crucible completely victorious and untouched by sin.  His name is Jesus.

The solution to our dilemma is not to seek the counsel of some and the comfort of others.  Instead, immediately “draw near with confidence to the throne of grace,” that is, seek God as your first Resource — not as your last resort.

Those who seek God continuously will always receive mercy equal to any sin; find grace abounding in abundance; and receive help that is always on-time.  – Luther

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August 29
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“I love the Lord because he hears my voice and my prayer for mercy. Because he bends down to listen, I will pray as long as I have breath!” (Psalm 116:1-2, NLT)

Imagine having the private telephone number to the President of the United States; or Warren Buffet’s personal e-mail address; or Bill Gates’ unlisted Skype number (yes, Microsoft owns Skype, too!).  Imagine having an invitation to contact any one of them, at any time you wanted, for any reason, as often as you would like.

Imagine the resources at your disposal!

All rolled into one — and any 100 other people you would choose to add — this resource would not be as big, or as powerful, as the help we have available from our heavenly Father.

As children of God, we have God’s “ear.”  The psalmist reminds us that He “bends down to listen” to us.

Prayer is the lifeline for the child.  God values this relationship, as well.  He answered the prayers of the ancient saints.  His only begotten Son taught us how to pray.  The Holy Spirit intercedes for us.

There is no substitute for prayer in the life of a Christian disciple.  There is no substitute for prayer in a disciple’s relationship with his or her Lord.  Resolve, as the psalmist did, to “pray as long as I have breath.”

In the words of the hymn: “O, what peace we often forfeit; o, what needless pain we bear; all because we do not carry, everything to God in prayer.”  – Luther

REMINDER: Daily Encouragement is on break tomorrow. Have a great day of rest, reflection, and worship.  Lord willing, see you on Monday! 

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August 21
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“Who will rise up for me against the wicked? Who will take a stand for me against evildoers? Unless the Lord had given me help, I would soon have dwelt in the silence of death. When I said, ‘My foot is slipping,’ your unfailing love, Lord, supported me. When anxiety was great within me, your consolation brought me joy.” (Psalm 94:16-19, NIV)

Reflecting on the role of power and influence in our world, comedian Woody Allen said: “The race may not go to the swift, or victory to the strong, but that’s how you bet.”

Today’s reading, however, reminds us that although the wicked co-exist with the righteous — and often have the stronger hand — God is the champion of the righteous.

Were it not for the Lord God’s help, we would be dead.  When we slip or stumble, God’s unfailing love supports us.  When we are severely anxious, God’s consolation fills our dreadful heart with joy.

The odds-makers and betters will always prefer the swiftest and the strongest.  The Lord God backs the slow and the weak, when they put their faith in Him.  – Luther

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