GOD FORGIVES

For Your name's sake, O Lord, pardon my guilt, for it is great . . . Turn to me & be gracious to me, for I am lonely & afflicted. The troubles of my heart are enlarged; bring me out of my distresses. Consider my affliction & my trouble, & forgive all my sins. (Psalm 25:11, 16-18)

THE GOOD NEWS

"For me, the good news is that the great One who is totally other & past finding out has humbled Himself & presented Himself to us not in power but in love." Tony Campolo, Men's Devotional Bible

THE PROMISED COMFORT OF HEAVEN

All authority in heaven & on earth have been given to Me. (Matt. 28:18) "Jesus has eternal heavenly authority. He gave that authority to His Church. God delays the end of the world so that the Gospel may be proclaimed for the salvation of all His elect." Rev. Matthew Harrison, The Lutheran Witness, Nov. 2022

IS IT WRONG TO JUDGE?

Jesus said, "Judge not, that ye be not judged." (Matt. 7:1) Not many passages of the Bible are quoted as often as this one, even by people who otherwise do not go to the Bible to learn the truth. Nor is there any passage in the Bible which is misused as often & grossly as this one. People say:  Here Jesus has once for all laid down the rule that we should not give expression to any judgment with respect to others & their relationship to God . . . Anyone who is somewhat acquainted with the Bible knows that the above interpretation is based upon a complete misunderstanding of the words of Jesus. Only a few lines farther on Jesus asks His disciples to beware of false prophets. From this it follows that we not only have the right, but that it is also our duty to make up our minds about other people's relationship to God . . . No, what Jesus wishes to get at here, as otherwise, is the attitude of the heart with which we give expression to our judgments of others. Why do we discuss the failings of others? Is it to injure them & to exalt ourselves? If so, we are doing that which Jesus means by judging." (O. Hallesby, "God's Word for Today)

THE HINDRANCE OF WISDOM

"One hindrance to hearing a word from God may be our own wisdom . . . Religious people with the most knowledge are sometimes the ones least responsive to God's Word. Knowledge can easily lead to pride, & pride impedes us from seeking God. How do you know if you are a 'Pharisee'? When you do not have a teachable spirit. When you become defensive if a fellow Christian shares a concern about your spiritual condition. When you do not seek to hear from God, believing you already know what He thinks. When you feel that you are capable of helping others in their spiritual lives, when no one can teach you anything. Don't allow the limited knowledge you now have to blind you to the great truths God still wants to reveal to you." (Henry & Richard Blakaby, "Experiencing God Da-By-Day) 

PRAYER OF THE DAY

"O God, the protector of all who trust in You, have mercy on us that with You as our ruler & guide we may so pass through things temporal that we lose not the things eternal; through Jesus Christ, our Lord, who loves & reigns with You & the Holy Spirit, one God, now & forever. Amen. Grace Lutheran Church Bulletin

TODAY'S HYMN

God of Grace & God of Glory, LSB 850, Sts 1, 3

God of grace & God of glory, On Your people pour Your pow'r; Crown Your ancient Church's story; Bring its bud to glorious flow're. Grant us wisdom, grant us courage, For the facing of this hour, For the facing of this hour.

Cure Your children's warring madness;Bend our pride to Your control; Shame our wanton, selfish gladness, Rich in things & poor in soul. Grant us wisdom, grant us courage Lest we miss Your kingdom's goal, Lest we miss Your kingdom's goal.