Deus Misereatur

A Prayer based on the Heidelberg Catechism 27 and 28: Mighty God, whose almighty and everywhere present power - as it were by your own hand - upholds heaven, earth, and all creatures, and so governs them that herb and grass, rain and drought, fruitful and barren years, food and drink, health and sickness, riches and poverty - indeed all things - come not by chance or mechanical procedure, but by your fatherly hand: Grant me to be patient in adversity, thankful in prosperity, and with a view to the future I may have good confidence in you - O faithful God and Father - that no creature or condition will ever separate me from your love, since all creatures are so in your hand that without your will they cannot so much as move. All of this I ask through our great high priest, the Lord Jesus. Amen. Mike

[If you would to listen to this sermon here is the audio file link ] Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you (1 Thessalonians 5.16-18).  It is our heart’s desire to know you more clearly, love you more dearly, and follow you more nearly day by day. May this reading of your Scriptures and our time thinking over your Word tonight be instrumental in just those things, for the sake of your Son Jesus. Amen. I once had a woman, in another church, challenge me and scoff me when I pointed out 1 Thessalonians 5.18. “Oh come on Mike! How can that be? In every circumstance? Really?!?” It truly perturbed her, to say the least. But her challenge to me has made me think on this over the years, especially as I have run into some personal circumstances that were discouraging, discombobulating, and demoralizing; but also as I have stumbled into situations in other people’s lives that have looked dark and f...