TODAY'S VERSES FROM PSALMS

"O Lord, who shall sojourn in Your tent? Who shall dwell on Your holy hill? He who speaks blamelessly & does what is right & speaks truth in his heart . . . He who does these things shall never be moved." (Ps. 15, 1-2, 5b)

WHAT GOD REQUIRES

"Therefore, we must listen only to God's Word about this. God's Word reveals & shows us what God the Father's will is. First, His will is that He sent His only-begotten Son into the world to make peace with God for our sins by His death, & through His blood to cleanse & save us without our merit, etc. He sends this proclamation to everyone through the Gospel & requires you to believe & accept it. Christ also Himself says this with clear words:  'The will of Him who sent Me is that whoever sees the Son & believes in Him has eternal life (John 6:40)." A Year in the Gospels with Martin Luther

YOUR GIVING MUSCLES

"God has made us to be givers. It isn't something we have to do in order to please Him so much as it's something we need to do to keep ourselves working properly. We are healthy & whole when we are both giving & receiving . . . As it happens, giving is to your benefit. It doesn't make you a saint or martyr to give. In giving you are simply reflecting God's image--He who gave everything." Daniel Taylor, Men's Devotional Bible

WHERE IS PEACE FOUND?

"'Peace I leave with you,' Jesus said. 'My peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.' (John 14:27) Worldly peace depends on circumstances, or rather, the absence of those circumstances:  no war, no storms, no illness, no violence or evil. Jesus' peace is not to be found in the right set of events. His peace is found in His forgiveness, His power & His presence, right here, right now, wherever we are, however frightening the events that surround us. He will speak to us in His Word & by His Spirit to grant us His peace." The Lord's Mercy Endures Forever:  40 Daily Devotions of God's Comfort

PEACE IN THE STORM

"Lord Jesus, You rescued Your disciples in the threatening storm. Be present with us in every storm of life that threatens us. When we call to You, hear our prayers. Forgive our sins & through Your Word & Your Holy Supper, fill is with the peace that You alone can give. Amen." Ditto

TODAY'S HYMN

Lord & Savior, Do You Heart Us (Tune:  Let Us Ever Walk with Jesus

When distress & trouble grieve us, Bringing illness, storm or loss, May we, patiently enduring, Bear with faithfulness the cross. As we, Lord, receive Your mercy, May we then Your mercy share, Giving comfort, hope & care. For this work may we be nourished, As our hearts in love are stirred, By Your Spirit & Your Word.

In the world, Lord, You have told us There is trouble to endure. Fill our doubting hearts with courage. For in You our hope is sure. As with Your disciples sailing On the windy, storm-tossed sea, You awoke & heard their plea, Stilling storm & wind & water, Bid our fear & sorrow cease With Your quiet Word of peace.