17th. March. 2021. Daily Devotion.
4 ‘I tell you, my friends, do not be afraid of those who kill the body and after that can do no more. 5 But I will show you whom you should fear: fear him who, after your body has been killed, has authority to throw you into hell. Yes, I tell you, fear him. 6 Are not five sparrows sold for two pennies? Yet not one of them is forgotten by God. 7 Indeed, the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Don’t be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows. Luke 12:4-7
We need to hear that God is still in control. We need to hear that it’s not over until he says so. We need to hear that life’s mishaps and tragedies are not a reason to bail out. They are simply a reason to sit tight.
Corrie ten Boom used to say, “When the train goes through a tunnel and the world gets dark, do you jump out? Of course not. You sit still and trust the engineer to get you through.”
Next time you’re disappointed, don’t panic. Don’t jump out. Don’t give up. Just be patient and let God remind you he’s still in control. It ain’t over till it’s over.
What worries consume your thoughts? Turn them over to God . . . then breathe a sigh of relief and live for him. Let God carry your burdens.
Prayer for Decision-Making
Gracious God, it’s time. It’s time to make the hard decisions. Sometimes I’m scared, sometimes I’m confused, and sometimes I just don’t want to believe I have to make a decision. Help me to trust You. Give me strength and wisdom so that whatever happens honours my fellow humans and You. Thank You for hearing me and answering my prayer. Amen.
Lent prayers
God of love, you are always at work in the world. Open my eyes to see you and teach me to imitate you in serving my sisters and brothers. Amen.
Loving Lord let us not stand aside and tolerate lack of basic human resources,
dehumanising practices, or the use of violence to disempower your people.
Give us strength to act and challenge hatred, and instead bring your justice and mercy. In your name we humbly ask that we may be a channel for your peace and love. Amen.
Meditation
“Don’t let your real situation discourage you. Everyone who got where they are, started where they were.” ~ John C. Maxwell
Coronavirus Prayer
Lord God you have created us and made us to love others. During this pandemic, we have found out how much we need each other. Build our hearts to continue to care for the sick and vulnerable; to respect all those affected by this virus. Let us be strong and kind for each other as we become more willing to follow your invitation to love. We make this prayer through Jesus Christ Our Lord.
