1st. September. 2021. Daily Devotion.
Romans 8:24-25
For in hope we have been saved, but hope that is seen is not hope; for why does one also hope for what he sees? But if we hope for what we do not see, with perseverance we wait eagerly for it.
Our culture bombards us with the mentality that this world is all there is and tells us, in effect, that the goal of life is “Maximize your pleasure and minimize your pain. Build a name for yourself if you can and establish a progeny.” There are many variations, but the enticing wisdom of this world, as observed by the Preacher in Ecclesiastes, is always derived from what is “under the sun.” The wisdom which comes from above, from beyond the sun, tells us that we are immortal creatures and that this brief moment on this planet is as nothing compared to the eternal existence that awaits us.
Lord, let me always find my values and wisdom in your word, rather than the world. Amen. ~ Ken Boa
For we live by faith, not by sight. – 2 Corinthians 5:7
Prayer for the Morning
Heavenly Father, let me live this day as the gift it is, for You have truly blessed me to live it. And if I may suffer, I will carry with me the certainty that one day I will see You face to face, a day when all things will become clear and my pain will be made whole through the grace of Christ, my God. Blessed be you, oh Lord my God, and blessed be the day you have given me. Amen.
Concerning Forgiveness
Father, I ask you to help me to be generous when I think of the attitude and actions of others. Forgiving someone isn’t an easy option, and I know that forgiveness isn’t somehow pretending that something wrong hasn’t happened. For what I have done wrong, forgive me Father. And let me live in obedience to your word, remembering that, as we forgive others, so shall we be forgiven. Amen.
“Be kinder than necessary, for everyone you meet is fighting some kind of battle.”~ J. M. Barrie
Afghanistan
Pray for Christians in Afghanistan under Sharia Law as well as for all their people.
- Pray for wisdom in how to survive. Ask the Lord to guide the citizens in the country – especially our brothers and sisters – in how to deal with interrogations and brutalities in the days to come.
- Pray for believers will receive the pastoral care that they need.
- Pray for children in Afghanistan. Pray for the schools and educational programs, that somehow they will function. And pray that God will preserve the dignity and wellness of the children, by raising up bold prophetic warriors who will guard children’s safety and fight for their protection from all kinds of abuses.
- Pray for health and wellness. Medicines are in short supply. Pray that clean water continues to run in taps – if water becomes contaminated in the cities, there will be widespread disease and illness.
- Pray for food to be accessible and affordable. People are struggling right now, because supply chains have broken down – as they are slowly reinitiated, inflation and access is becoming a problem. “The Taliban will first feed their soldiers then us,” a local friend of our ministry says.
- Pray that God will provide work for the day labourers and others who are currently without income.
