12th. March. 2022. Daily Devotion.

You have been a refuge for the poor, a refuge for the needy in their distress, a shelter from the storm and a shade from the heat. For the breath of the ruthless is like a storm driving against a wall. Isaiah 25:4

The old saying “Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me” can be helpful for teaching kids to remain calm in the face of a bully. Even so, harsh words can have a striking effect on our lives. Unexpected criticism, hateful comments by a supposed friend, or an offhand remark from a family member can cut deep into our hearts and fester. To our shame, we often retaliate with spiteful words of our own.

Isaiah 25 says that “the breath of the ruthless is like a storm driving against a wall.” God’s people had been cornered and overwhelmed by ruthless words. They could not keep going in their own strength.

But the prophet reminds them that God is their shelter in the storm. Isaiah 25 begins with this joyful proclamation: “Lord, you are my God; I will exalt you and praise your name, for in perfect faithfulness you have done wonderful things, things you planned long ago.” God has planned from the beginning to protect and guide us, giving us hope and a future with him—as well as many blessings in our lives each day.

Maybe you feel trapped in a corner as ruthless words bear down on you. Know that the Lord can be your shelter. He can give you peace, lifting your heart to remember and sing about the great things he has done for you. North American Maritime Ministry Association Montréal PQ

Precious Lord, open our mouths so that we can sing your praises. Help us to use our words to bring peace rather than a storm. Amen.

Let the door of our heart be always open to you, O Lord, that we may mark your entrance, embrace your presence, hear your voice, seek your strength, and hold fast to you for ever. Amen. Paul (Henry) Heath (1599-1643)

Loving God, you love, include and seek to redeem and transform all, whether individuals, communities or creation. Help us to trust that, wherever, however and whoever we are, there is a place for us within your love, and that this is equally true for our neighbours. Help us to see, as you see, that those who are different from us, or strangers amongst us, are still our neighbours. Help us to work out and live out every day what this might mean, by the grace and example of our Lord Jesus Christ; by the love, power and compassion of God; and by the inspiring, connecting presence of your Holy Spirit. Amen.

To Use My Gifts While I Have Them

Heavenly Father, I know that you have made my life on earth temporary. I know that my body will fail, slowly. There are things I can do today that I will not be able to do in the near future. There are gifts of my body that I will not have much longer.

Prepare me, I pray, for the inevitable loss of abilities, so that when they come, I may have comfort in my suffering, the comfort of perfect happiness soon to come. And let me live and use my abilities today, and for the short years while I have them, to live in obedience to your will and to walk in such good works as you have set out before me. In Christ’s name, I pray, Amen.

O Lord our Governor, whose glory is in all the world:
We commend to your merciful care the people and government of Ukraine
that, being guided by your providence, they may dwell secure in your peace.
Grant to their leaders and all in authority,
wisdom and strength to know and to do your will.
Fill them with the love of truth and righteousness,
and make them ever mindful of their calling to serve their people;
through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.