1st. January. 2021. Daily Devotion.

God’s Plans for our future are good

For I know the plans that I have for you,’ says the LORD, ‘plans for your welfare, and not for calamity, to give you hope and a future. Jeremiah 29:11

God’s compassion is new every morning

Because of the Lord’s great love, we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. I say to myself, “The Lord is my portion; therefore, I will wait for him.” Lamentations 3:22-24

Seek God for the future

Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take. Proverbs 3:5-6,

Let go of what has gone before and press on to what is ahead Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus. Philippians 3:13-14,

Do not be afraid about the future – instead, give everything over to God in prayer.

Don’t worry about anything, but in all your prayers ask God for what you need, always asking him with a thankful heart. Philippians 4:6,

THOUGHTS AT CHRISTMAS IN TURBULENT TIMES:               Peter Millar

Walking together in our global family as we celebrate God’s goodness.

The poem entitled ‘The Affirming Flame’ by W. H. Auden: (written, in 1939, at the start of the Second World War.)

Defenceless under the night
Our world in stupor lies.
Yet, dotted everywhere,
Ironic points of light
Flash out wherever the just
Exchange messages:
May I, composed like them
Of Eros, and of dust,
Beleaguered by the same
Negation and despair
Show an affirming light.
 

And from the Daily Office of the Iona Community:

With the whole church we affirm that we are made in God’s image, befriended by Christ, empowered by the Spirit.

With people everywhere we affirm God’s goodness at the heart of humanity, planted more deeply than all that is wrong.

With all creation we celebrate the miracle and wonder of life, the unfolding purposes of God, forever at work in ourselves and the world.

And from John Bell and Graham Maule these wonderful words rich in hope:

Who would think that what was needed to transform and save the earth
might not be a plan or army, proud in purpose proved in worth?
Who would think despite derision, that a child should lead the way?
God surprises earth with heaven, coming here on Christmas Day.

             God is: He is in Jesus, so there’s hope.

             God is: He is for us, so it’s worth it.       David Jenkins

A New Year’s Prayer

Lord, you make all things new You bring hope alive in our hearts and cause our Spirits to be born again. Thank you for this new year for all the potential it holds. Come and kindle in us A mighty flame So that in our time, many will see the wonders of God And live forever to praise Your glorious name. Amen

Prayer for a New Beginning

Lord, At the beginning of this new day, I offer you my life. Come take my voice, may the words I speak be filled with encouragement and goodness. Come take my hands, may the work they create be generous and giving. Come take my feet, may the journeys I walk be led by your Spirit within. Come take my life Lord, for I love your goodness, your kindness, and your leading. Amen.