27th. August. 2020. Daily Devotion.
9 He has saved us and called us to a holy life – not because of anything we have done but because of his own purpose and grace. This grace was given us in Christ Jesus before the beginning of time,
10 but it has now been revealed through the appearing of our Saviour, Christ Jesus, who has destroyed death and has brought life and immortality to light through the gospel. 2 Timothy 1:9-10
A child’s fairy tale begins, “Once upon a time,” and should include little children just like them. Each story has adventure, and an obstacles or foes which are successfully overcome. The story should end with, “and they lived happily ever after.”
Many people have life stories with difficult beginnings, awful hurdles filled with sorrow and pain in the middle and less-than-desirable endings. However, a life remade by God and covered by His grace and love is never without hope.
Hope for all humanity lies in this true story: Once upon a time, a long, long time ago, before time itself, God is. A plan of grace formulated and agreed upon was born out of His great love for humanity. It was brought about by the sacrifice of Christ Jesus. (2 Timothy 1:9) Humans were enticed by evil and chose sin. (Genesis 3:1-24) Because of sin, people separated themselves from the Holy God. (Isaiah 59:22) This separation causes us to face many trials, tribulations, sickness, suffering, pain, and death. (John 16:33)
Our final hope is this; through Christ, we have the power to overcome the barriers we have erected. (Philippians 4:13) Even death cannot separate us from the grace-filled love of Christ. (Romans 8:38) When we grasp the grace of Jesus, we become victorious conquerors over evil. (Romans 8:37) We are set free from the bondage of sin. We are sanctified and renewed through Christ in a right relationship with God. (Romans 6:22)
What is our outcome? We have peace through the promised eternal life whereby our tears will be dried, and there will be no more death, pain, crying, or mourning. (Revelation 21:4) My friends, we will indeed have our “happily ever after,” someday, as we claim God’s perfect will, today. JC.
Prayer to Use Our Gifts Wisely
Lord, give me each day the wisdom to see which things important, and which things are not. Show me how best to use the time and talents you have given me. Help me to use all my opportunities wisely, that I may share, through service to others, the good gifts I have received from you.
Amen.
Prayer for Those with Harmful Obsessions
Heavenly Father, I remember today all the many people who damage or destroy their lives with one of the many obsessions that can plague the human mind: The alcoholic and addict; those with eating disorders; those with sexual compulsions; those who are driven to obsessive gambling; the superstitious; those who hoard obsessively and live in squalor; those whose only concern is their appearance, or wealth; or any of the myriad, baffling, and harmful behavioural disorders that may affect and burden the lives of your people.
Help me first to remember, when I am shocked by their behaviour or critical of them, that they are your beautiful children whom you love. Let me see my own sin first, that I may never judge them. Give them the strength to seek help, guide them to people who can help them, and flood them with the power of your Holy Spirit, that they may control their disorders and find peace and contentment on this earth, and the eternal joy that awaits the faithful. I pray this in the name of Christ, who loved beyond all love and was always pleased to heal those who came to Him in faith.
Amen.
Prayer for the Safety of Returning to School in a Pandemic
Father please hear us when we tell You of our concerns about sending our children and educators back to school. You know that we are striving to make all of the right decisions and need Your love and power to help us overcome any difficulties. Please watch over everyone as times and routines are about to change once again. We know that we can do anything through You, so please help us ensure health and normality in the coming months. We give our hearts to You, now and forever.
Amen
~Anonymous.
