The primary focus of our Scripture Lessons this Sunday. We are to seek the LORD in prayer, asking for His mercy and forgiveness. We are to pray for those in authority. We are to be persistent in prayer.

Our Scripture Lessons give us simple answers this week: Praise the LORD. Share the Good News. Confess the Truth.

That’s our God.

• Work — We work hard for some of those blessings…like Jacob did in wrestling with God.

• Freely – We receive many blessings from God without our effort, because of the work of our Lord Jesus. 

• Mercifully – When we sin – as Peter had, God has mercy on us in Christ and forgives, renews, and refocuses us in our work for Him.

He shows mercy to the ungrateful. He sent His Son to pay our sin debt. He sent His Son to serve, not to be served.

It is sometimes difficult to see the silver lining, to see God’s gracious hand in difficult times.  Our Scripture readings help us to do just that…In Exile – The exiled people of Judah would one day rejoice to learn that they were returning to their homes…we rejoice in the most difficult times knowing that heaven is our home. True Repentance – It is embarrassing when we are led into sin; but it is cause for rejoicing when the Spirit leads us to sorrow over sin and trust in Jesus for forgiveness. Evil Times – No matter how evil this world becomes, we keep on ‘eating’ Jesus’ Word and are strengthened and comforted for life apart from sin and death…which is surely coming to us in Christ.