The Daily Devotional of The Upper Room in Nashville, Tennessee, United States "The Prayers of Many People" for Wednesday, February 22nd, 2017 with Scripture James 5:13 Is someone among you in trouble? He should pray. Is someone feeling good? He should sing songs of praise.
14 Is someone among you ill? He should call for the elders of the congregation. They will pray for him and rub olive oil on him in the name of the Lord. 15 The prayer offered with trust will heal the one who is ill — the Lord will restore his health; and if he has committed sins, he will be forgiven. 16 Therefore, openly acknowledge your sins to one another, and pray for each other, so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.
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The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.[James 5:16 (NIV)]
Recently my wife, Joyce, went through a difficult time with serious health issues. We made a trip to the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota, to deal with one specific health concern. However, while the medical staff was preparing to respond, they discovered other serious medical problems. The result was that our stay in Rochester lasted for 25 days, and the real purpose for our going in the first place could not be addressed at that time.
Generally, I do not like waiting for issues to be addressed. However, during our stay in Rochester, I felt a peace that all things were working for our good. (See Rom. 8:28.) I have often wondered whether the number of people praying for a particular concern makes a difference in God’s response to that need. Certainly God hears and responds to the prayer of a single person. But will God be more apt to satisfy that need if hundreds of people are praying? I cannot say that I would have felt more fearful had only one person been praying for us. But I know that my peace came from knowing of the large number of people who were holding us up to God through their prayers.
See a picture of Stanley with his wife, Joyce, here.
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The Author: Stanley L. Hayes (Michigan, USA)
Thought for the Day: Today I will add my prayers to those of others.
Prayer: All-knowing God, we thank you for hearing the prayers of your people. Help us to realize that there is much power in prayer. Amen.
Prayer focus: Those experiencing serious health issues
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The Daily Devotional of The Upper Room in Nashville, Tennessee, United States "The Father’s Business" for Tuesday, February 21st, 2017 with Scripture Luke 2:41 Every year Yeshua’s parents went to Yerushalayim for the festival of Pesach. 42 When he was twelve years old, they went up for the festival, as custom required. 43 But after the festival was over, when his parents returned, Yeshua remained in Yerushalayim. They didn’t realize this; 44 supposing that he was somewhere in the caravan, they spent a whole day on the road before they began searching for him among their relatives and friends. 45 Failing to find him, they returned to Yerushalayim to look for him. 46 On the third day they found him — he was sitting in the Temple court among the rabbis, not only listening to them but questioning what they said; 47 and everyone who heard him was astonished at his insight and his responses. 48 When his parents saw him, they were shocked; and his mother said to him, “Son! Why have you done this to us? Your father and I have been terribly worried looking for you!” 49 He said to them, “Why did you have to look for me? Didn’t you know that I had to be concerning myself with my Father’s affairs?” 50 But they didn’t understand what he meant.
51 So he went with them to Natzeret and was obedient to them. But his mother stored up all these things in her heart.
52 And Yeshua grew both in wisdom and in stature, gaining favor both with other people and with God.
-------
Jesus said to his parents, “[Know] ye not that I must be about my Father’s business?”[Luke 2:49 (KJV)]
While reading about the prophet Anna in Luke’s Gospel, I felt guilty. A widow, Anna “did not depart from the temple, but served God with fastings and prayers night and day.” I’m also a widow but have never spent a whole day praying, let alone fasting. Was I failing God? As I continued to read, I came across the story of twelve-year-old Jesus disappearing during a family trip to Jerusalem. Three days later, when his parents found him in the temple and demanded an explanation, Jesus simply replied, “[Know] ye not that I must be about my Father’s business?”
That’s right! I thought. Even though I didn’t pray all day and night like Anna, I could still be about my Father’s business. Pursuing the “Father’s business” means responding to the guidance of the Holy Spirit. That’s something I can do, if I’ll just follow Jesus’ example. Jesus persistently sought the Father’s will. At first I thought that might be difficult. Yet, as I spend time in prayer, meditation, and scripture, I’m grasping the way God communicates with me. Then, as I act in faith, I’m trusting the Holy Spirit to guide me in my Father’s business.
God has given each of us important tasks. Each day we can ask God for guidance and follow where that leads, believing that “the one who began a good work among [us] will bring it to completion” (Phil. 1:6).
The Author: Laura L. Bradford (Washington, USA)
Thought for the Day: How am I going about the Father’s business today?
Prayer: Thank you, Father, for guiding our steps so that our lives reflect your glory. Amen.
Prayer focus: Widows
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The Daily Devotional of The Upper Room in Nashville, Tennessee, United States "Waiting for the Lord" for Monday, February 20th, 2017 with Scripture Psalm 27:(0) By David:
(1) Adonai is my light and salvation;
whom do I need to fear?
Adonai is the stronghold of my life;
of whom should I be afraid?
2 When evildoers assailed me
to devour my flesh,
my adversaries and foes,
they stumbled and fell.
3 If an army encamps against me,
my heart will not fear;
if war breaks out against me,
even then I will keep trusting.
4 Just one thing have I asked of Adonai;
only this will I seek:
to live in the house of Adonai
all the days of my life,
to see the beauty of Adonai
and visit in his temple.
5 For he will conceal me in his shelter
on the day of trouble,
he will hide me in the folds of his tent,
he will set me high on a rock.
6 Then my head will be lifted up
above my surrounding foes,
and I will offer in his tent
sacrifices with shouts of joy;
I will sing, sing praises to Adonai.
7 Listen, Adonai, to my voice when I cry;
show favor to me; and answer me.
8 “My heart said of you, ‘Seek my face.’”
Your face, Adonai, I will seek.
9 Do not hide your face from me,
don’t turn your servant away in anger.
You are my help; don’t abandon me;
don’t leave me, God my savior.
10 Even though my father and mother have left me,
Adonai will care for me.
11 Teach me your way, Adonai;
lead me on a level path
because of my enemies —
12 don’t give me up to the whims of my foes;
for false witnesses have risen against me,
also those who are breathing violence.
13 If I hadn’t believed that I would see
Adonai’s goodness in the land of the living, . . .
14 Put your hope in Adonai, be strong,
and let your heart take courage!
Yes, put your hope in Adonai!
--------
Wait for the LORD; be strong, and let your heart take courage; wait for the LORD![Psalm 27:14 (NRSV)]
David, the presumed author of Psalm 27, had adversaries intent on taking his life; yet he proclaimed that the Lord was his light, his salvation, and his stronghold. I do not have enemies threatening my life, but I have been afraid of a raging storm, an uncomfortable task, or a frightening medical diagnosis.
I would like to say that the first thoughts that come to mind when I am faced with a challenge are “Be strong . . . wait for the LORD!” but my reaction is usually a tightening in my stomach and worry that circles through my mind. I’m afraid. In those times it helps me to personalize this psalm by changing the word
whom
to the word
what
in verse one: “
what
shall I fear?” “of
what
shall I be afraid?” Then I begin to remember that I am not alone. I can “wait for the LORD.” Even though I am weak, “the Lord is the stronghold of my life.” I can take heart. I do not feel strong in myself, but I know that the Lord is with me.
As I look back over my life, I have experienced the strength and love of God through the hands, words, and prayers of other people — the strength and love of others in my life. God understands what we are going through. Even when we are unable to utter anything more than “The Lord is my strength,” we can remember that we are connected to a loving God.
The Author: Dot French (New Jersey, USA)
Thought for the Day: Today I will remember that the Lord is my strength.
Prayer: Dear Lord, we give thanks that you are the stronghold of our lives and that we need not be afraid. Amen.
Prayer focus: Someone living in frightening circumstances
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The Daily Devotional of The Upper Room in Nashville, Tennessee, United States "Never Off Duty" for Sunday, February 19th, 2017 with Scripture Luke 10:30 Taking up the question, Yeshua said: “A man was going down from Yerushalayim to Yericho when he was attacked by robbers. They stripped him naked and beat him up, then went off, leaving him half dead. 31 By coincidence, a cohen was going down on that road; but when he saw him, he passed by on the other side. 32 Likewise a Levi who reached the place and saw him also passed by on the other side.
33 “But a man from Shomron who was traveling came upon him; and when he saw him, he was moved with compassion. 34 So he went up to him, put oil and wine on his wounds and bandaged them. Then he set him on his own donkey, brought him to an inn and took care of him. 35 The next day, he took out two days’ wages, gave them to the innkeeper and said, ‘Look after him; and if you spend more than this, I’ll pay you back when I return.’ 36 Of these three, which one seems to you to have become the ‘neighbor’ of the man who fell among robbers?” 37 He answered, “The one who showed mercy toward him.” Yeshua said to him, “You go and do as he did.”
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We are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.[Ephesians 2:10 (NIV)]
Recently I met my son, James, for lunch. To my surprise, he insisted on paying for my meal, saying, “Give the money to someone who really needs it.” After lunch we parted, and I started for the train station. Suddenly, I heard a quiet voice behind me saying, “Excuse me.” I turned to see a young man. He needed a hostel bed for the night and asked for some money. As I listened to his story, I felt sure that God wanted me to help him. I gave him the money that I had expected to spend on lunch, shook his hand, and promised to pray for him. He thanked me warmly.
Later, as I rode the train, I knew that Jesus had been present in the café with my son and me. I knew Jesus was also there on the street, meeting me in that young man.
Sometimes after doing a good deed, I feel as if I can go “off duty.” So in a way, I am separating my life into compartments — this much for God, the rest for myself. This experience reminded me that God never goes “off duty.” God calls us to share love and compassion at any time, in any place.
See a picture of Hazel with her son, James, here.
Link2Life for February 19, 2017
The Author: Hazel Fitz-Gibbon (Surrey, England)
Thought for the Day: God has prepared a way for me to serve others today.
Prayer: Thank you, Lord, that you are always available to help us. May we be ready to respond to your prompting to help others, whenever and wherever that may be. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
Prayer focus: Those who are homeless
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The Daily Devotional of The Upper Room in Nashville, Tennessee, United States "Blessed Assurance" for Saturday, February 18th, 2017 with Scripture Philippians 1:18 But so what? All that matters is that in every way, whether honestly or in pretense, the Messiah is being proclaimed; and in that I rejoice.
Yes, and I will continue to rejoice, 19 for I know that this will work out for my deliverance,[Philippians 1:19 Job 13:16] because of your prayers and the support I get from the Spirit of Yeshua the Messiah. 20 It all accords with my earnest expectation and hope that I will have nothing to be ashamed of; but rather, now, as always, the Messiah will be honored by my body, whether it is alive or dead. 21 For to me, life is the Messiah, and death is gain. 22 But if by living on in the body I can do fruitful work, then I don’t know which to choose. 23 I am caught in a dilemma: my desire is to go off and be with the Messiah — that is better by far — 24 but because of you, the greater need is to stay on in the body. 25 Yes, I am convinced of this; so I know I will stay on with you in order to help you progress in the faith and have joy in it. 26 Then, through my being with you again, you will have even greater reason for boasting about the Messiah Yeshua.
27 Only conduct your lives in a way worthy of the Good News of the Messiah; so that whether I come and see you or I hear about you from a distance, you stand firm, united in spirit, fighting with one accord for the faith of the Good News, 28 not frightened by anything the opposition does. This will be for them an indication that they are headed for destruction and you for deliverance. And this is from God; 29 because for the Messiah’s sake it has been granted to you not only to trust in him but also to suffer on his behalf, 30 to fight the same battles you once saw me fight and now hear that I am still fighting.
--------
Paul wrote, “To me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain.”[Philippians 1:21 (NIV)]
My good friend Glenn had been diagnosed with leukemia and hospitalized for chemotherapy treatments. As I drove to visit him, I wondered how the visit would go. I have made other trips to see friends who have been hospitalized unexpectedly, and sometimes the visits are difficult. People reacting to the diagnosis of a potentially fatal disease respond in a variety of ways, including anger, depression, and grief. While Glenn had always been a very positive person, I didn’t expect him to be in the best of moods when I entered his hospital room.
That first visit — and others over the next few weeks — was an uplifting experience. Most of the time Glenn was upbeat, welcoming visitors and joking with the hospital staff. Although his future was uncertain, he was at peace. As he told me on that first visit, “If my time is up, it’s ok. I know where I am going.” Glenn’s response was a great example of what faith can do.
In today’s scripture reading, the apostle Paul summed up this faith. Although he was imprisoned and uncertain whether he would live or die, Paul was at peace because he trusted God. With Christ as our Savior, we do not face challenges alone. We can take heart in Paul’s words that whatever our circumstance, we can find peace and assurance from knowing that our Lord and Savior is with us today and throughout eternity.
The Author: John Bown (Minnesota, USA)
Thought for the Day: God says, “Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you” (Heb. 13:5).
Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank you for the comfort and peace you provide in times of trouble. Help us to share the good news of your love and grace with others. Amen.
Prayer focus: Those undergoing chemotherapy
-------
The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.[James 5:16 (NIV)]
Recently my wife, Joyce, went through a difficult time with serious health issues. We made a trip to the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota, to deal with one specific health concern. However, while the medical staff was preparing to respond, they discovered other serious medical problems. The result was that our stay in Rochester lasted for 25 days, and the real purpose for our going in the first place could not be addressed at that time.
Generally, I do not like waiting for issues to be addressed. However, during our stay in Rochester, I felt a peace that all things were working for our good. (See Rom. 8:28.) I have often wondered whether the number of people praying for a particular concern makes a difference in God’s response to that need. Certainly God hears and responds to the prayer of a single person. But will God be more apt to satisfy that need if hundreds of people are praying? I cannot say that I would have felt more fearful had only one person been praying for us. But I know that my peace came from knowing of the large number of people who were holding us up to God through their prayers.
See a picture of Stanley with his wife, Joyce, here.
-------
The Author: Stanley L. Hayes (Michigan, USA)
Thought for the Day: Today I will add my prayers to those of others.
Prayer: All-knowing God, we thank you for hearing the prayers of your people. Help us to realize that there is much power in prayer. Amen.
Prayer focus: Those experiencing serious health issues
-------
The Daily Devotional of The Upper Room in Nashville, Tennessee, United States "The Father’s Business" for Tuesday, February 21st, 2017 with Scripture Luke 2:41 Every year Yeshua’s parents went to Yerushalayim for the festival of Pesach. 42 When he was twelve years old, they went up for the festival, as custom required. 43 But after the festival was over, when his parents returned, Yeshua remained in Yerushalayim. They didn’t realize this; 44 supposing that he was somewhere in the caravan, they spent a whole day on the road before they began searching for him among their relatives and friends. 45 Failing to find him, they returned to Yerushalayim to look for him. 46 On the third day they found him — he was sitting in the Temple court among the rabbis, not only listening to them but questioning what they said; 47 and everyone who heard him was astonished at his insight and his responses. 48 When his parents saw him, they were shocked; and his mother said to him, “Son! Why have you done this to us? Your father and I have been terribly worried looking for you!” 49 He said to them, “Why did you have to look for me? Didn’t you know that I had to be concerning myself with my Father’s affairs?” 50 But they didn’t understand what he meant.
51 So he went with them to Natzeret and was obedient to them. But his mother stored up all these things in her heart.
52 And Yeshua grew both in wisdom and in stature, gaining favor both with other people and with God.
-------
Jesus said to his parents, “[Know] ye not that I must be about my Father’s business?”[Luke 2:49 (KJV)]
While reading about the prophet Anna in Luke’s Gospel, I felt guilty. A widow, Anna “did not depart from the temple, but served God with fastings and prayers night and day.” I’m also a widow but have never spent a whole day praying, let alone fasting. Was I failing God? As I continued to read, I came across the story of twelve-year-old Jesus disappearing during a family trip to Jerusalem. Three days later, when his parents found him in the temple and demanded an explanation, Jesus simply replied, “[Know] ye not that I must be about my Father’s business?”
That’s right! I thought. Even though I didn’t pray all day and night like Anna, I could still be about my Father’s business. Pursuing the “Father’s business” means responding to the guidance of the Holy Spirit. That’s something I can do, if I’ll just follow Jesus’ example. Jesus persistently sought the Father’s will. At first I thought that might be difficult. Yet, as I spend time in prayer, meditation, and scripture, I’m grasping the way God communicates with me. Then, as I act in faith, I’m trusting the Holy Spirit to guide me in my Father’s business.
God has given each of us important tasks. Each day we can ask God for guidance and follow where that leads, believing that “the one who began a good work among [us] will bring it to completion” (Phil. 1:6).
The Author: Laura L. Bradford (Washington, USA)
Thought for the Day: How am I going about the Father’s business today?
Prayer: Thank you, Father, for guiding our steps so that our lives reflect your glory. Amen.
Prayer focus: Widows
-------
The Daily Devotional of The Upper Room in Nashville, Tennessee, United States "Waiting for the Lord" for Monday, February 20th, 2017 with Scripture Psalm 27:(0) By David:
(1) Adonai is my light and salvation;
whom do I need to fear?
Adonai is the stronghold of my life;
of whom should I be afraid?
2 When evildoers assailed me
to devour my flesh,
my adversaries and foes,
they stumbled and fell.
3 If an army encamps against me,
my heart will not fear;
if war breaks out against me,
even then I will keep trusting.
4 Just one thing have I asked of Adonai;
only this will I seek:
to live in the house of Adonai
all the days of my life,
to see the beauty of Adonai
and visit in his temple.
5 For he will conceal me in his shelter
on the day of trouble,
he will hide me in the folds of his tent,
he will set me high on a rock.
6 Then my head will be lifted up
above my surrounding foes,
and I will offer in his tent
sacrifices with shouts of joy;
I will sing, sing praises to Adonai.
7 Listen, Adonai, to my voice when I cry;
show favor to me; and answer me.
8 “My heart said of you, ‘Seek my face.’”
Your face, Adonai, I will seek.
9 Do not hide your face from me,
don’t turn your servant away in anger.
You are my help; don’t abandon me;
don’t leave me, God my savior.
10 Even though my father and mother have left me,
Adonai will care for me.
11 Teach me your way, Adonai;
lead me on a level path
because of my enemies —
12 don’t give me up to the whims of my foes;
for false witnesses have risen against me,
also those who are breathing violence.
13 If I hadn’t believed that I would see
Adonai’s goodness in the land of the living, . . .
14 Put your hope in Adonai, be strong,
and let your heart take courage!
Yes, put your hope in Adonai!
--------
Wait for the LORD; be strong, and let your heart take courage; wait for the LORD![Psalm 27:14 (NRSV)]
David, the presumed author of Psalm 27, had adversaries intent on taking his life; yet he proclaimed that the Lord was his light, his salvation, and his stronghold. I do not have enemies threatening my life, but I have been afraid of a raging storm, an uncomfortable task, or a frightening medical diagnosis.
I would like to say that the first thoughts that come to mind when I am faced with a challenge are “Be strong . . . wait for the LORD!” but my reaction is usually a tightening in my stomach and worry that circles through my mind. I’m afraid. In those times it helps me to personalize this psalm by changing the word
whom
to the word
what
in verse one: “
what
shall I fear?” “of
what
shall I be afraid?” Then I begin to remember that I am not alone. I can “wait for the LORD.” Even though I am weak, “the Lord is the stronghold of my life.” I can take heart. I do not feel strong in myself, but I know that the Lord is with me.
As I look back over my life, I have experienced the strength and love of God through the hands, words, and prayers of other people — the strength and love of others in my life. God understands what we are going through. Even when we are unable to utter anything more than “The Lord is my strength,” we can remember that we are connected to a loving God.
The Author: Dot French (New Jersey, USA)
Thought for the Day: Today I will remember that the Lord is my strength.
Prayer: Dear Lord, we give thanks that you are the stronghold of our lives and that we need not be afraid. Amen.
Prayer focus: Someone living in frightening circumstances
-------
The Daily Devotional of The Upper Room in Nashville, Tennessee, United States "Never Off Duty" for Sunday, February 19th, 2017 with Scripture Luke 10:30 Taking up the question, Yeshua said: “A man was going down from Yerushalayim to Yericho when he was attacked by robbers. They stripped him naked and beat him up, then went off, leaving him half dead. 31 By coincidence, a cohen was going down on that road; but when he saw him, he passed by on the other side. 32 Likewise a Levi who reached the place and saw him also passed by on the other side.
33 “But a man from Shomron who was traveling came upon him; and when he saw him, he was moved with compassion. 34 So he went up to him, put oil and wine on his wounds and bandaged them. Then he set him on his own donkey, brought him to an inn and took care of him. 35 The next day, he took out two days’ wages, gave them to the innkeeper and said, ‘Look after him; and if you spend more than this, I’ll pay you back when I return.’ 36 Of these three, which one seems to you to have become the ‘neighbor’ of the man who fell among robbers?” 37 He answered, “The one who showed mercy toward him.” Yeshua said to him, “You go and do as he did.”
-------
We are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.[Ephesians 2:10 (NIV)]
Recently I met my son, James, for lunch. To my surprise, he insisted on paying for my meal, saying, “Give the money to someone who really needs it.” After lunch we parted, and I started for the train station. Suddenly, I heard a quiet voice behind me saying, “Excuse me.” I turned to see a young man. He needed a hostel bed for the night and asked for some money. As I listened to his story, I felt sure that God wanted me to help him. I gave him the money that I had expected to spend on lunch, shook his hand, and promised to pray for him. He thanked me warmly.
Later, as I rode the train, I knew that Jesus had been present in the café with my son and me. I knew Jesus was also there on the street, meeting me in that young man.
Sometimes after doing a good deed, I feel as if I can go “off duty.” So in a way, I am separating my life into compartments — this much for God, the rest for myself. This experience reminded me that God never goes “off duty.” God calls us to share love and compassion at any time, in any place.
See a picture of Hazel with her son, James, here.
Link2Life for February 19, 2017
Hazel with her son, James.
-------The Author: Hazel Fitz-Gibbon (Surrey, England)
Thought for the Day: God has prepared a way for me to serve others today.
Prayer: Thank you, Lord, that you are always available to help us. May we be ready to respond to your prompting to help others, whenever and wherever that may be. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
Prayer focus: Those who are homeless
-------
The Daily Devotional of The Upper Room in Nashville, Tennessee, United States "Blessed Assurance" for Saturday, February 18th, 2017 with Scripture Philippians 1:18 But so what? All that matters is that in every way, whether honestly or in pretense, the Messiah is being proclaimed; and in that I rejoice.
Yes, and I will continue to rejoice, 19 for I know that this will work out for my deliverance,[Philippians 1:19 Job 13:16] because of your prayers and the support I get from the Spirit of Yeshua the Messiah. 20 It all accords with my earnest expectation and hope that I will have nothing to be ashamed of; but rather, now, as always, the Messiah will be honored by my body, whether it is alive or dead. 21 For to me, life is the Messiah, and death is gain. 22 But if by living on in the body I can do fruitful work, then I don’t know which to choose. 23 I am caught in a dilemma: my desire is to go off and be with the Messiah — that is better by far — 24 but because of you, the greater need is to stay on in the body. 25 Yes, I am convinced of this; so I know I will stay on with you in order to help you progress in the faith and have joy in it. 26 Then, through my being with you again, you will have even greater reason for boasting about the Messiah Yeshua.
27 Only conduct your lives in a way worthy of the Good News of the Messiah; so that whether I come and see you or I hear about you from a distance, you stand firm, united in spirit, fighting with one accord for the faith of the Good News, 28 not frightened by anything the opposition does. This will be for them an indication that they are headed for destruction and you for deliverance. And this is from God; 29 because for the Messiah’s sake it has been granted to you not only to trust in him but also to suffer on his behalf, 30 to fight the same battles you once saw me fight and now hear that I am still fighting.
--------
Paul wrote, “To me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain.”[Philippians 1:21 (NIV)]
My good friend Glenn had been diagnosed with leukemia and hospitalized for chemotherapy treatments. As I drove to visit him, I wondered how the visit would go. I have made other trips to see friends who have been hospitalized unexpectedly, and sometimes the visits are difficult. People reacting to the diagnosis of a potentially fatal disease respond in a variety of ways, including anger, depression, and grief. While Glenn had always been a very positive person, I didn’t expect him to be in the best of moods when I entered his hospital room.
That first visit — and others over the next few weeks — was an uplifting experience. Most of the time Glenn was upbeat, welcoming visitors and joking with the hospital staff. Although his future was uncertain, he was at peace. As he told me on that first visit, “If my time is up, it’s ok. I know where I am going.” Glenn’s response was a great example of what faith can do.
In today’s scripture reading, the apostle Paul summed up this faith. Although he was imprisoned and uncertain whether he would live or die, Paul was at peace because he trusted God. With Christ as our Savior, we do not face challenges alone. We can take heart in Paul’s words that whatever our circumstance, we can find peace and assurance from knowing that our Lord and Savior is with us today and throughout eternity.
The Author: John Bown (Minnesota, USA)
Thought for the Day: God says, “Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you” (Heb. 13:5).
Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank you for the comfort and peace you provide in times of trouble. Help us to share the good news of your love and grace with others. Amen.
Prayer focus: Those undergoing chemotherapy
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