Lord Heavenly Father, God of Abraham, maker of heaven and earth, we are thankful for leading us to the first half of the year 2023. Bless us to walk through the next half of this year experiencing the cover of your rich hand. For as you spoke to Moses, “My Presence will go with you, and I will give you rest” ( Exodus 33:14), may we feel your good hand over us. Remind us of the plans we set out at the beginning of the year to accomplish, which we again commit to you, for as you say, “Commit your works to the LORD and your plans will be achieved”( Proverbs 16:3). And where we have met daunting obstacles and challenges, we hold on to your very word, “When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze” ( Isaiah 43:2). Through the ups and down of life we lift up our eyes on to you, for you say, “Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you” ( I Peter 5:7). We commit to you each and every member of our dear family, commending them to your word, “And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus” ( Phil 4:19). For those who are weak in the body, we encloth ourselves in your word, “But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was on him, and by his wounds we are healed” ( Isaiah 53:5). And for our beloved nations we surrender those whom you have put in authority pleading for wisdom and courage to lead and gently guide your people to safe shores. Spare us from needless wars, the shedding of innoncet blood and, things that cause men to waste their time in meaningless and vain pursuits. For “The earth belongs to God! Everything in all the world is his”( Psalm 24:1). But to you, and alone we look up to, trusting in your even hand of protection, and your soothing words, “Do not be afraid or discouraged, for the LORD will personally go ahead of you. He will be with you; he will neither fail you nor abandon you” ( Deutronomy 31:8). All this we pray, in the mighty and beloved name of the Lord Jesus Christ!
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02/05/2024 - 03/05/2024 All day“That is why for Christ’s sake I delight in weakness, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when am weak, then I am strong” (2 Cor 12:10)
We all crave to be blessed in life. But was there a believer who was so blessed beyond any circumstances without experiencing some sort of discomfort, in one way or another! A person may apparently be blessed in every single way yet have one troubling matter that constantly drives him down to his knees.
The one mightily blessed with riches may have a family situation that leaves him ever on edge. Someone who seems to be at the height of his profession may be living with an ailment that keeps him ever on tentacles. The one blessed with abundant health might from time to time be dealing with financial woes.
Why do such troubling situations plague even believers? One explanation could be found in the Apostle Paul’s life. Called into ministry and endowed with many gifts, including amazing revelations from above, yet he had a matter that constantly drove him on his knees. “Therefore in order to keep me from being conceited, I was given a thorn in the flesh, a messenger from Satan, to torment me” (2 Cor 12: 7).
Paul would often cry out to God to free him of this particularly troubling matter. But the Lord came back with, “My grace is sufficient for you. For my power is made perfect in your weakness” (2 Cor 12: 9).
The comfort of this lesson is that God is completely aware of whatever might be ever troubling us. Moreover, it could be purposely there, that we constantly place our faith in Him, other than relying on our strength and resources, especially as He blesses us in other uplifting ways.
Prayer for today: Lord Father in heaven, today I pray that whatever matter is constantly troubling me, I know it is for a purpose and you are in total control, to bless me even more, this I pray in Jesus’ name.
