Home > Reading > NALC Devotions – August 11, 2017

Today’s readings: 1 Samuel 21:1-15; Acts 13:13-25; Mark 3:7-19a

While reading today’s second lesson, I could not help but recall the Solemn Reproaches of Good Friday: “O my people, O my church, what have I done to you? How have I offended you? Answer me. I led you out of slavery into freedom…led you through the desert, feeding you with manna on the way…planted you as my fairest vineyard, but you brought forth bitter fruit…opened the waters to lead you to the promised land, but you opened my side with a spear…” I think the situation is the same today. God does so much for us daily, yet we neglect to stop and consider our blessings.

Growing up we sang a song in church called “Count your Blessings.” Part of the refrain goes, “Count your blessings, name them one by one. Count your blessings, see what God has done!” Luther said it best when explaining the fourth petition of the Lord’s Prayer. “Daily bread includes everything required to meet our earthly needs, such as food, drink, clothing, home, property, employment, necessities, parents, children, communities, faithful authorities, seasonable weather, peace, health, friends, neighbors, and the like.”

Take time today to consider all that God has done for you.

Prayer: Lord, help us to see all the blessings you shower on us each day. Amen.

Today’s devotion was written by Steven King, Pastor of Bethel Evangelical Lutheran Church in Lincolnton, NC.

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