1st March. 2022. Daily Devotion.

10 I rejoiced greatly in the Lord that at last you renewed your concern for me. Indeed, you were concerned, but you had no opportunity to show it. 11 I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. 12 I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. 13 I can do all this through him who gives me strength. Philippians 4: 10-13.

Christ will supply the strength. If we stop trying to rely on ourselves and put ourselves into the hands of God, He will give us all the strength we need. But it is in our nature to try to make ourselves happy. We think, “If I work hard enough, I can make something of myself, and I will be happy.” Then there is the Christian, who will tell himself and maybe others, “I don’t need to be rich. I only need enough to pay my bills so I’m not worrying all the time. And maybe be able to take a holiday once a year.”

God has promised that if we glorify Him, He will give us strength to do all things. People use Philippians 4:14 when they want a promotion at work, thinking this it some sort of Biblical self-affirmation, the power of positive thinking; they need to read the lines preceding it. “I have learned both to be full and to be hungry,” Paul teaches. That is the point of the passage; that we may be strong enough to live in contentment, whatever the world might think of us, or do to us, or give to us, or take away from us. M. Barge.

Heavenly Father, give me the strength to surrender myself ever more to your will. Amen.

For a Heart Open to God’s Word

God, as you gave us the sun to lighten our days, so you have given us your Word to lighten our minds and our souls. I pray that you will pour out on me your Spirit as I pray today, that my heart and mind may be opened to your Word, and that I may learn and accept your will for my life. Shine within my heart, loving God, the pure light of your divine knowledge; open the eyes of my mind and the ears of my heart to receive your Word, this day and always, Amen.

Prayer for God’s Help in the Duties of Today

O God, who orders all things in heaven and earth: Help me to go about the tasks and duties of this day with the remembrance that I am your servant therein. Make me honest, painstaking, and cheerful, and grant that all I do and say may bring good to others and glory to your Holy Name; through Jesus Christ I ask this, Amen.

For Ukraine

Holy and Gracious God, we pray for the people of Ukraine and the people of Russia, for their countries and their leaders. We pray for all those who are afraid; that your everlasting arms hold them in this time of great fear. We pray for all those who have the power over life and death; that they will choose for all people life, and life in all its fullness. We pray for those who choose war; that they will remember that you direct your people to turn our swords into ploughshares and seek for peace. We pray for leaders on the world stage; that they are inspired by the wisdom and courage of Christ. Above all, Lord, today we pray for peace for Ukraine. And we ask this in the name of your blessed Son. Lord have mercy. Amen