January 7, 2023 - Live Stream Hymn and Journal Entry

January 7, 2023

Noon Prayer Hymn and Journal Entry

Hymn - I want to walk as a Child of the light LSB 411

1 I want to walk as a child of the light. I want to follow Jesus. God set the stars to give light to the world. The star of my life is Jesus. Refrain

ref In Him there is no darkness at all. The night and the day are both alike. The Lamb is the light of the city of God. Shine in my heart, Lord Jesus.

2 I want to see the brightness of God. I want to look at Jesus. Clear Sun of Righteousness, shine on my path, And show me the way to the Father. Refrain

3 I’m looking for the coming of Christ. I want to be with Jesus. When we have run with patience the race, We shall know the joy of Jesus. Refrain

Text: Kathleen Thomerson, 1934 Text: © 1970, 1975 Celebration. Used by permission: LSB Hymn License no. 110003165

** a reminder, the following journal entry is from Pastor Collins' personal devotions for this day. This is the basis from what is taught on the Facebook live stream.

January 7 Ephesians 5:1-2 Walk in Love

Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children. [2] And walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.

So far this year, these journaling verses have had a lot of emphasis upon behavior and good works. It is almost as if those in charge of selecting them are thinking about making New Year's resolutions. And this can be a good thing.

In these two verses, however, what stands out first and foremost is the idea that I am a beloved child of God. This is his work, not mine. I am a child of God, because Christ Jesus, loved me and gave himself a sacrifice for my sins.

It is with the thought in mind, then they think about being an imitator of God. Children naturally imitate their parents. They see the things that mom or dad does and they start to copy them. I see this in my grandchildren with my daughter and son-in-law. Mannerisms, actions, attitudes, and more are being shaped as they watch their mom and dad.

Similarly, I am being shaped; my thoughts and attitudes and actions, all are being changed as I look to God my heavenly father, and to Christ Jesus, my savior and Lord. This is the work of the Holy Spirit in me, through God's word and sacrament. By these means I have been brought to faith in Christ, and I am being renewed in that faith, continually as I read a scripture, as I come to worship, as I receive the holy sacrament, as a fellowship with God, and with my brothers and sisters in Christ in divine service.

I am, unfortunately, though, not perfect in this. Like a willful child, which is what I offered him, I want things my way. I want to ignore what God desires with me and do my own thing. By his law, God shows me my sin, and brings me to repentance. I return to my baptism as I confess my sins to God, and seek his mercy for Jesus sake.

And thanks be to God he hears those prayers and he sees me back to himself again and again and again.

Gracious God be with me today and help me imitate you in all things. And when I feel, bring me to repentance and show me of your love and forgiveness in Jesus Christ. Amen.