Daily Prayer 10.24.14 Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. Do not put out the Spirit’s fire; do not treat prophecies with contempt. Test everything. Hold on to the good. Avoid every kind of evil. May God himself, the God of peace, sanctify you through and through. May your whole spirit, soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. The one who calls you is faithful and he will do it. – I Thessalonians 5:16-24 Like a parent seeing a son or daughter off on his first solo trip, Paul’s parting words to the people of Thessalonica ring with hope and caution. There’s spiritual danger in them hills, and anyone travelling there will need to be always vigilant lest he be ambushed, mugged and left for dead. But Paul packs two essentials for the sojourner that, if held firmly and applied often, will sustain anyone through the trickiest pass. One is a grand act of hope: pray continually. To keep an open and running dialog with God is to be attached to an unbreakable lifeline, ensuring that no matter how dark the trail gets we will not stray, nor stumble, nor fall. The Psalmist says: “He will not let your foot slip, He who watches over you will not slumber” (Psalm 121). Coupled with this word of assurance is the clarion call of certainty. The One who holds the other end of the lifeline is eternally reliable, perfectly solid, infinitely true. The support He has promised He will provide. He cannot fail. He will do it. “The LORD himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged” (Deuteronomy 31:8). What better words of hope and help can we place before our eyes as we venture out today? How blessed it is to repeat them for our children and together hold them hold ever close to our hearts? These are great words for the traveler in life, a survival manual from the Blessed Spirit. Bob F., in this week of decision; Lord we continue to pray for Bob and his family in this time of transition. Charlotte, Pat, Carrie, Emmett, Ron and Marie, and all those struggling with cancer; Jesus, hold onto these friends today, be with them to strengthen them for their journey, and we pray for their healing. Lisa M., as she begins her adventures today; Father, cover her in Your grace as she uses the many gifts you have given her. For all those wrestling with the loss of a loved ones; Jesus, hold them close to Your heart, continue to bring them hope and a sense of Your presence. Kalen and Fiona; Lord Jesus, please hold these young people close to Your heart today, grant them Your peace. The Bazaar; Lord we pray that all will go well, that many will come and see all that the ladies have made, and that their missions coffers are filled to overflowing. All our Youth, especially those away from home, as they meet the challenges and stresses of mid-terms, decision-making and twinges of homesickness; Lord Jesus, let our children know that You are ever near. Lord Jesus, I love You for Your faithfulness to me. Let me rejoice it all day long, and so live as you would have me do, in contentment, joy and gratitude. Amen.
Posted on: Fri, 24 Oct 2014 14:52:06 +0000
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