27th. September. 2022.Daily Devotions.
“Shine a Light”
Evadne Holligan, who is an elder in Inverkeithing, is participating in a 10 kilometre walk on Saturday 1st October for Shine a Light in Edinburgh to raise funds for Cancer Research. If you would like to support her, here is her fundraising page:
https://fundraise.cancerresearchuk.org/page/evadnes-giving-page
Good on you Evadne!
Devotion:
Ship your grain across the sea; after many days you may receive a return. Sow your seed in the morning, and at evening let your hands not be idle, for you do not know which will succeed, whether this or that, or whether both will do equally well. Ecclesiastes 11:1; 6.
The meaning of this passage in Ecclesiastes has often puzzled people. Translated more literally, it says, “Cast your bread upon the waters, for after many days you will find it again.” Some think this refers to being generous toward others or to teaching people various skills that may take a while to learn. Others suggest that it has to do with trade and economic markets, which may bring a great return on investment. Still others say that, like other parts of Ecclesiastes, this simply describes some of the uncertainties in life.
For example, while some industries and businesses have thrived during the pandemic, others have struggled enormously. And in recent years, extreme weather events—droughts, floods, wildfires, and record-breaking temperatures—as well as social and political tensions, have made life alarmingly difficult and uncertain. Recovering or rebuilding could take a long time, and in some respects, there may be no return to the way things were before.
The wisdom of Ecclesiastes suggests that whatever you do, be aware that it may take a long time before you see results. Overall, Ecclesiastes emphasizes that while life is fleeting and fragile, we live and act with trust, enjoying things that can simply be enjoyed now, and believing that God, not us, guides the outcomes. We take risks, and we may or may not see a return. There are no guarantees—except that God will sustain us. J P Vanderveen.
Lord our God, help us to trust you in all circumstances. Amen.
Prayer to Do God’s Will
Oh Lord God, Father Almighty who created me and everything I see and enjoy, blessed and beautiful Jesus, love of my heart, bounteous Holy Spirit of God who is so kind as to be with me and comfort me whenever I ask, I thank you for all that I am and all that I have had in my life. Thy will be done, my God. I ask only that you let me know your will for me, for I am often confused or conflicted, and I seek your guidance.
Knowing your will for me, let me be anxious for nothing. And I pray for the strength, the power and the energy, to accomplish your purpose. All glory be to you, one God: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, who was before time and will be forever, Amen.
Meditation
“So blind are we in this mortal life, and so unaware of what will happen, so uncertain of even how we will think tomorrow, that God could not take vengeance on a man more easily in this world than by granting his own foolish wishes.” ~ Thomas More.
Prayer for hope in the world
Precious Lord, we pray for hope in a world full of hatred and strife. Your word says that nation will rise against nation and kingdom against kingdom When things like this happen it causes fear and panic in the weak and the defenceless Today, we pray that you fill such hearts with your hope. When fear and panic begin to infiltrate their hearts, overwhelm them with your peace. When they begin to worry about the future remind them that you are the one in control and the future is in your hands. Fill them with your hope, dear Lord and let them only think about you and the assurance that your word brings to us. Amen.