4th. July. 2022.Daily Devotions.
3 Jesus replied, ‘Very truly I tell you, no one can see the kingdom of God unless 8 The wind blows wherever it pleases. You hear its sound, but you cannot tell where it comes from or where it is going. So it is with everyone born of the Spirit.’ John 3:3 & 3:8.
We are products of our past, but we don’t have to be prisoners of it. The entire concept of Christianity is new life; the possibility that we can undergo a profound change for the better. In fact, we cannot find God and eternal life unless we undergo such a change so astonishing that it can only be compared to dying and being reborn, completely new.
People talk about how hard it is to change old habits, and you can’t teach an old dog new tricks. I’m here to tell you, it’s nonsense. People can and do change; the most ingrained habits, the most difficult addictions, cannot stand up to God, if you enlist His help. So, if there is something you want to change, here is a basic plan, in three easy steps. First, decide to do it. Second, pray about it. And third: start.
1) Make your decision absolute. Push that decision to 100%. Deciding 99% to change a bad habit or way of thinking is tantamount to saying, “maybe I will and maybe I won’t.” You must jump out of the airplane before your parachute will open.
2) Prayer, every day, will work miracles. God isn’t going to help unless you ask Him. If you can just be persistent in your prayer, you will create a tail wind that pushes you towards your goal.
3) You don’t have to live today like you did yesterday. Once you have been born again in Christ, the chains of your slavery to sin are broken. Most of us have something we have been meaning to work on; and this is your wake-up call to get started! Mason Barge
O Lord our God, Your love calls us to be your people. By sharing our many and diverse gifts we share in your mission. We ask you, Lord, to shape us into a community of faith. Nourish us by your word and sacraments that we may grow into the image of Jesus. Through the power of your Holy Spirit, heal us that we, in turn, may heal the wounded. Form us to be instruments of love, justice, and peace in our land, and send us to proclaim your saving work. Renew us, Lord, that we may renew the face of the earth. Amen.
Grant us, O Lord, to pass this day in gladness and peace, without stumbling and without stain, that reaching the day’s end victorious over all temptation, we may again praise you, the eternal God, blessed over all things now and for ever. Amen. Mozarabic Sacramentary (10th century)
Gracious God, we know the theory of welcoming all, that in Christ there is “no longer Jew or Greek … there is no longer male and female,” but we all have our preferences and biases. It is comfortable to be among those who are like us. Yet you call us not to be comfortable, but to comfort – to encourage and strengthen others, including those who are troubled. It is not easy, but it is possible because you are a merciful God, a forgiving God, a hope-giving God. Through Jesus you have made room for all, so may we share your hope, your forgiveness, and your mercy with those who discomfort us. Amen.
Bless the hands
that bring wholeness
to lives blighted by sickness.
Bless the saints who
in sad and desperate places
bring a sense of hopefulness.
Bless the Christians
facing daily opposition
showing a faithful witness.
Bless the generosity
of the rich and powerful
for the gift of thoughtfulness.
Bless the peacemakers
working in conditions
that are often hazardous.
Bless the politicians
whether good or bad
for decisions affecting all of us.
Bless our words and actions
as we carry your light
into places shrouded in darkness.
Bless your children
whoever they might be
with the warmth of your love and grace. Amen. John Birch
