19th. December. 2020. Daily Devotion.
22 We know that the whole creation has been groaning as in the pains of childbirth right up to the present time. 23 Not only so, but we ourselves, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for our adoption to sonship, the redemption of our bodies. 24 For in this hope we were saved. But hope that is seen is no hope at all. Who hopes for what they already have? 25 But if we hope for what we do not yet have, we wait for it patiently.
26 In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us through wordless groans. 27 And he who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for God’s people in accordance with the will of God.
28 And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. Romans 8:22-28
A lot of faith and hope are bound up in these words. The temporal value system of the world demands no trust and dependence upon God because it is based on what is seen; the eternal value system, on the other hand, is unseen and therefore requires a walk of faith (2 Cor. 5:7).
Our culture bombards us with the mentality that this world is all there is and tells us, in effect, that the goal of life is “Maximize your pleasure and minimize your pain. Build a name for yourself if you can and establish a progeny.” There are many variations, but the enticing wisdom of this world, as observed by the Preacher in Ecclesiastes, is always derived from what is “under the sun.” The wisdom which comes from above, from beyond the sun, tells us that we are immortal creatures and that this brief moment on this planet is as nothing compared to the eternal existence that awaits us. The birth life, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ reveals this to us and we take hold of it with faith and respond to it with love.
Prayer to Dedicate This Day to God
Holy God, as I face another day, I know I am going to face many challenges: to my faith, to my patience, to my love for others. I am going to have constant temptations to lapse into sin. Come to me now, Lord, and stay with me all day. Let your Spirit encompass my mind. Let me know your presence. Steer my hand, direct my words, guide my thoughts in everything I think, say, and do. I resolve to live this day as a beacon of your glory, the best I can, with your help. I commit myself to give this day to you. In the name of Christ, be with me and help me. Amen.
Pandemic Prayer
God of healing and hope may this time of danger
by your Holy Spirit, bring out the best and not the worst in us.
Be with all who struggle with the challenges of lockdown or resent the restrictions. Give us all a willingness to play our part in keeping others safe during the Christmas season. Show us the ways in which we can share faith and love,
while standing at a distance, and honour our connection with one another,
and with you, through Jesus Christ our Saviour. Amen.
