26th. November. 2021. Daily Devotion.

Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world—the desires of the flesh and the desires of the eyes and pride of life—is not from the Father but is from the world. And the world is passing away along with its desires, but whoever does the will of God abides forever.” 1 John 2:15-17.

But we must remember that God did not create the world to be hostile to mankind, or hated, but to nurture and please us. We are thus grateful for His creation, and He allows us to take pleasure in life that we might understand His love for us more fully. Enjoying what the world might give us, when we do so as God intended, brings us closer to Him. It gives us a taste of what God intends for us and has always intended for us. M Barge.

O Lord God, from whom comes every good and perfect gift, we give You hearty thanks for Your love, Your grace, and the tender mercies you have showered upon us. We praise you for everything, whether joyful or sorrow, that brings us closer to You and to our brothers and sisters here on Earth.

You created us to give glory to You. Help us to manifest our love and thanksgiving in treating one another with respect and kindness, loving one another as you have taught us to do; and give us the passion to help those who struggle to get the necessities of life. We pray that as we celebrate this season, we never forget that all that we have comes from You. A Thanksgiving Prayer from America.

Praise to you, O Lord, for the jewel of sight, the treasure of hearing and the glory of speech. Open our eyes to your glory, our ears to your word and our mouths to proclaim your goodness; now and for ever. Amen. Thomas Traherne (1636-74)

Simple Thanks

For our restful sleep at night,
For the rain and sunshine bright,
For the love that Thou dost send,
For our homes and for each friend,

For the day and all its pleasures,
Grateful thanks we render now.
May our lives pass on the blessings,
None can give to us, but Thou. Amen

To welcome others

Holy God, our experience of pandemic and lockdown has made us rethink the meaning of place. So often we have focused on buildings and how we make others welcome in those places. But the place where we all really need to be is in your arms of love, in your family and in your kingdom. For in your arms, your family and your kingdom there is not just room for all, but a role for all.
Inspire us with a fresh vision of how we can invite others into that place of encounter with you, offering welcome, forgiveness, grace and joy. Thank you for the promise of a place where each of us belongs and where you dwell among us. Amen.