31st. December. 2020. Daily Devotion.
12 Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, 2 fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy that was set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. ~ Hebrews 12:1-2
Hebrews 11 provides an interesting list of faith-heavyweights in biblical history. These are people who were able to see living possibilities where others only saw dead ends, who saw victory where others saw defeat, who saw what God could do when others saw the impossible. They not only saw with eyes of faith, but they also acted on that faith.
Each person mentioned here understood faith as a verb, as a spiritual muscle that allowed them to act. Faith helped them persevere even in the midst of difficult circumstances—like Joseph in Egypt. They were able to step out into the unknown with courage and to take risks—like Rahab and Gideon.
It shouldn’t surprise us where this list ends: with “Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith.” Jesus, Prince of peace. Jesus, Immanuel (“God with us”). Jesus, King of kings and Lord of lords!
As we look forward to a new year and the journey of life ahead of us, we can look back at people who have lived by faith, spiritual ancestors in Jesus’ extended family and many others who have been welcomed into the family of God. We can be encouraged by their stories. Even more, we can look forward to the One who looks encouragingly back at us, the One who came to die so that we could live with him forever.
Lord Jesus, give us the courage and strength to be the people of faith you call us to be. Amen. ~ Thea Leunk.
Prayer for the Coming Year
You are ushering in another year, untouched and freshly new, so here I come to ask You God if You’ll renew me too? Forgive the many errors, that I made yesterday, and let me try again dear God, to walk closer in Thy way. But Father, I am well aware, I can’t make it on my own. So take my hand and hold it tight, for I can’t walk alone. Amen.
Prayer of Determination
O heavenly Father, who has created me, who has preserved my life, and who has promised the joy of eternal life to all who come to Him through his only Son, Jesus Christ: I vow and determine to grow in my faith during the coming year, learning your holy Word, coming to you in prayer every day, and resolving to walk in all those good works which you have commanded us to walk in.
Bless me in my endeavours, dear God; if it may please you, send your Holy Spirit to always remind and correct me when I stray from your path; and renew in me, today and every day of 2021, a sense of your unceasing presence. Let me honour you with my time, my love, my bounty, my words and deeds, as I lay up my treasure in heaven. In Christ’s name, I pray, Amen.
Pray for protection for people at higher risk of developing the disease.
Dear Lord, we lift to You our concern for people who are more likely than others to become severely ill from COVID-19 — the elderly and people with chronic health conditions. Protect them from harm and be their comfort in this time of uncertainty and, for many, preventive isolation from loved ones.
Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you. ~ 1 Peter 5:7 (NIV)
