HOPE BEGINS HERE

 

JUNE 12, 2024

1 Corinthians 13:7

 

“Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.”

Through Jesus, the Bible tells us we receive a steadfast hope that anchors us. God's promises of His enduring presence and the renewal that will be ours in the future, allows us to find peace even during challenges, joy in the face of  great trouble, and resilience when everything seems to pile up against us.

 1 Peter 1:3-4 says, “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! According to his great mercy, he has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you.” Do you understand what this means? It means that as followers of Jesus, we have an inheritance that promises us an unending communion with our heavenly Father. With such an inheritance, we then are challenged to tell those around us the reason for our hope.

The hope we've received is not just for us to keep to ourselves; it's meant to be shared. Let what I am about to say sink in. Ready? Your story (testimony) in Christ has the potential to change lives. 

1 Corinthians 13:7 says, “Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.” We, therefore are called to hope for a better more abundant life for those around us. We are called to believe in people when no one else will.  As our life has been transformed from being "lifeless and lacking direction to being filled with the powerful hope of the gospel, we have been given a message that says "No one is hopeless." No one is beyond the reach of the grace of Jesus. So, God calls us to love others deeply, sharing the truth of His love through our words and actions, so they too may find hope in God.

Consider who in your life may be in need of hope today. 

Think about how you can demonstrate God's grace, love, and peace. 

In what way might you mirror God's unconditional love.

 

I FORGIVE YOU

 

JUNE 11, 2024

Ephesians 4:32

“Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.”

 

I FORGIVE YOU

We are assured of  God's forgiveness through the "riches of his grace". Ephesians 1:7 says, “In [Jesus] we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace.” This is such an unbelievable truth, isn't it? Think about this, we haven't earned the forgiveness that God generously bestows on us. It's given simply because God is love; it's the essence of who God is. Just as Jesus showed, by giving his life, love is all about forgiveness.

Christianity is unique among religions in that it teaches salvation comes through grace rather than works. It is through God's love that a path of mercy is set before us, and we are called to extend that mercy to others. As God's children, welcomed into His family by His grace alone, we are to forgive others as we have been forgiven by God. 

Colossians 3:13 says, Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. Jesus exemplified forgiveness in his ministry and ultimately by sacrificing His life for us. To forgive others, we need to follow His example, setting aside our own entitlements for those who have hurt us. Forgiveness is an act of humility, a choice to extend grace unearned, just as we have been forgiven by the Lord, so we too should forgive. That's tough isn't it, without the Holy Spirit's work in us. Our world operates on "getting even" and payback but this is not the way of God's kingdom. 

Let us think about our own lives for a moment. Who in your life do you feel has wronged you? It could be a small wound. It could be a life-altering sin committed against you. Maybe it was a word someone spoke against you that hurt you. 

Forgiveness isn't about whether someone has earned it; it is offered because of love. So we are invited today, to choose love over our own sense of fairness. We are invited today to choose to be like your heavenly Father and forgive those who have wronged us. We are invited to be a doer of Colossians 3:13 and “[forgive] each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive.”

Remember, carrying the weight of unforgiveness is not our destiny, so lets release it. God's Spirit is there to assist you, providing the strength and bravery needed to lean into what feels insurmountable. Take a moment today to be with God, and allow His guidance to lead you towards forgiveness.

 

SOME TAKE AWAYS

1. Meditate on God’s heart to forgive. Allow God’s forgiveness to be the foundation for your own.

 “As far as the east is from the west, so far does he remove our transgressions from us.” Psalm 103:12

 “Gracious is the Lord, and righteous; our God is merciful. The Lord preserves the simple; when I was brought low, he saved me. Return, O my soul, to your rest; for the Lord has dealt bountifully with you.” Psalm 116:5-7

 2. Ask the Spirit who you need to forgive. Whether the wound was small or big, to whom do you need to offer grace today?

 “[Bear] with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, [forgive] each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive.” Colossians 3:13

GO AHEAD MAKE MY DAY

 

JUNE 10, 2024

Hebrews 10:23-25

“Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who promised is faithful. And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.”

GO AHEAD MAKE MY DAY

Encouragement is powerful! It has the ability to change emotions and paths in life. It has the power to fill someone with courage and boldness to say yes to the plans and heart of God. Encouragement is truly a gift we’ve been given for building up each other. We are meant to encourage one another. The Bible makes it clear that as brothers and sisters in Christ, we are meant to both give and receive encouragement.

Hebrews 10:23-25 says, “Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who promised is faithful. And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.”

Consider the impact a few kind words can have on a stranger's day. Jesus understood the strength of encouragement. He frequently used it to guide his disciples towards the life God had planned for them. Jesus breathed life into his interactions, uplifting the outcasts, the disheartened, and the needy. 

Living like Jesus today means reaching out with a kind word to those who need it. Who could use our encouragement? Who would be uplifted by our offer to spend time with them? How might we support and comfort the hurting and lonely near you? You see by nurturing our relationship with our heavenly Father, and embracing the truth that we are deeply loved, we can extend that love to others through encouraging words and actions.

Here are some Take Aways Today 

1. Take some time to meditate on what the Bible says about encouragement.

“Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing.” 1 Thessalonians 5:11

“Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear.” Ephesians 4:29

“Anxiety in a man’s heart weighs him down, but a good word makes him glad.” Proverbs 12:25

2. Ask the Lord whom he would have you encourage today. Maybe it’s a co-worker that’s seemed down lately, a family member going through a hard time or even a stranger that just needs a kind word.

3. Ask God how he would have you encourage that person. It could be as simple as sending a text message or taking someone out for a meal. Maybe it’s a few kind words or help financially. Ask the Spirit to help you follow his leadership.

 

REST! BUT HOW?

 

JUNE 7, 2024

Psalm 46:10

Be still and know that I am God. 

REST! BUT HOW?

In today's fast-paced culture, where the hustle and bustle never seem to stop, carving out a space for silence and solitude can feel like “finding a unicorn.” It's a rare treasure that allows us to connect with something greater than ourselves, to exchange the chaos for some divine R & R. But let's be real, when we do stumble upon a quiet moment, we're quick to fill it with binge-watching, texting, scrolling, chit-chat, tunes, or a whirlwind of thoughts. Imagine, though, what could unfold if we embraced a steady rhythm of peace and quiet in our lives?

Engaging in the spiritual practices of silence and solitude goes beyond personal gain or appeal; it's deeply rooted in Scripture. This mirrors the path of Jesus, who often retreated to solitary places. Thus, it's a discipline that should be part of our regular spiritual routine. After all, Jesus set the example for us.  The following are some instances from Scripture that illustrate this practice:

• Jesus began his ministry with solitude (Matthew 4:1-11).

• After a long day of ministry, “he went up on a mountainside by himself to pray,” (Matthew 14:23).

• Before the cross, Jesus goes to Gethsemane with his disciples and says, “Sit here while I go over there and pray,” (Matthew 26:36).

• “Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house and went off to a solitary place, where he prayed,” (Mark 1:35).

• In Mark 6:31-32 we see Jesus practicing this rest that we have been talking about, in community with his disciples. He said to them, “Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest,” (Mark 6:31-32).

Repeatedly, we read of Jesus withdrawing from the world's noise and demands to seek a calm, restful and secluded space for communion with the Father through prayer.

I am constantly reminding myself that embracing moments of silence and solitude can be incredibly rewarding, though such discipline may seem unattainable. I am sure you do the same. Today, I urge all of us to embrace the divine call to retreat into a sacred space. Regardless of the duration or the distractions, seize opportunities to delight in the God's presence and discover the transformation it brings to your life.

To incorporate this spiritual practice into your daily routine, consider the following practical steps:

Start with a simple five minutes per day. Perhaps, before you reach for your phone in the morning or begin getting ready, take five minutes to rest with Jesus.

Go on a walk. Spending time in silence and solitude can be enjoyed in nature, in the Lord’s very creation. 

Rest in your favorite outdoor spot, just take in the sights and sounds. The action of rest and solitude is a time for listening for the creator's voice of comfort and peace.

I like how Theologian Robert Mulholland describes the spiritual disciplines of silence and solitude. He writes they are "a profound departure from societal norms. Silence involves surrendering and yielding control to God."

So, let us do what our scripture reading from Psalm 46 says "Be Still, and Know" our Creator. Amen.

FINDING OUR RYTHMN

 

JUNE 6, 2024

Matthew 11:28-30

“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” 

FINDING OUR RYTHMN

 

Jesus invited, "Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest." In times of exhaustion, defeat, and emptiness, this is "Good News." We can seek and find comfort and rest as we allow ourselves some breathing space to connect with God. 

The intention of our devotions this week has been to remind us of the tremendous gift that God has given to us in the call to slow down and rest. This isn't a "do as I say" command, rather it is a "do as I do" invitation. I mean think about this if the creator rested after the work of creation, it should be not only OK, but perhaps even necessary for us to find rest as well. 

Creating space for stillness and rest now can lead to a rhythm of life that allows for daily rejuvenation. It's something we all need, isn't it?

“How do I refresh my soul and rest in God?” you may be asking. Where do I begin? Here are some practical ways to find rest for your soul:

Prayer: Set aside time for prayer and slow down your pace. As Jesus said in Matthew 11, "Come to me... and you will find rest."

Remove Distractions: Our routines and habits can sometimes become overwhelming or serve as distractions. These distractions vary from person to person. By limiting or eliminating these distractions, we can find rejuvenation.

Bible Study: Engaging oneself in the Scriptures is a path to deepen our relationship with God. The Bible is filled with stories of hope, serenity, and mercy that provide strength and guidance in the midst of our hectic lives.

Practice Thankfulness: Practicing gratitude can be a source of rest for the soul. Often, we are so preoccupied with our next tasks or objectives that we lose sight of the present moment and our spiritual connection, leading to exhaustion.

Be Still: Taking time to embrace the silence can be vital. Venture into nature and bask in the marvels of creation. Find peace in the stillness of His presence.

Here the promise of Jesus once again,

“Come to me, all you who are weary 

and burdened, and I will give you rest." 

TAKE a BREAK

 

JUNE 5, 2024

Psalm 62:1

“Truly my soul finds rest in God; 

my salvation comes from him.” 

TAKE a BREAK

If you have ever had a packed schedule, a full day or an excessive load of responsibilities, you probably know how easy it is to become tired. When we face physical or mental collapse caused by an overloaded "to do list", we need to remember to rest, not only physically but also spiritually.

Some people don’t seem to see taking a break as an option. They are convinced that pausing for a breather is a huge waste of precious ticks on the clock, or they're shackled by the guilt of 'doing nothing' while their to-do list glares at them. But let's be real, this is just a tall tale, a lie that we adhere to.

However, the rest we need, and long for cannot be attained through our own strength. Instead, it is through seeking God and embracing the hope and peacefulness He provides that we find true rest.

Taking breaks is crucial. Consider the Bible verses that speak of rest; for instance, Genesis 2 highlights the concept of deliberate rest. It narrates that on the seventh day, God ceased His work of creation to rest.

“By the seventh day God had finished the work he had been doing; so on the seventh day he rested from all his work. Then God blessed the seventh day and made it holy, because on it he rested from all the work of creating that he had done.” (Genesis 2:2-3). Indeed, as discussed over the past two days, the Ten Commandments include instructions to observe a day of Sabbath rest.

Moving to the New Testament, it is evident that even Jesus took time to rest. In Mark 4, we see Jesus sleeping in a boat, undisturbed by the violent storm surrounding him.

In Luke 10:38-42, the story of two sisters, Mary and Martha, is recounted. Martha is preoccupied with preparations for Jesus, while Mary sits at his feet. When Martha seeks assistance from Mary, Jesus informs her that Mary has chosen the better part.

Taking a break to rest in God's presence is acceptable. While the Bible cautions against laziness, it also advocates for finding rest for one's soul in Jesus Christ.

Back to Psalm 62 that we started with today beginning at verse 5 we read,

Yes, my soul, find rest in God;
my hope comes from him.
6 Truly he is my rock and my salvation;
he is my fortress, I will not be shaken.
7 My salvation and my honor depend on God;
he is my mighty rock, my refuge.
8 Trust in him at all times, you people;
pour out your hearts to him,
for God is our refuge.


Amen.

WHAT GRACE

 

JUNE 4, 2024

Mark 2:27-28

²⁷ Then he said to them, “The Sabbath was made for man, not man for the Sabbath. ²⁸ So the Son of Man is Lord even of the Sabbath.”

 

WHAT GRACE!

To summarize our devotion on Monday about understanding Sabbath, Jesus words above speak to God’s gracious intention for Sabbath observance, “The Sabbath was made for man, not man for the Sabbath.” As we noted yesterday, the Sabbath was intended to help people, not burden them.

What grace we receive! If left to our own devices, we would lead lives filled with nothing but restlessness and fatigue. Yet, God does not abandon us. As Psalm 23:2 states, He guides us to lie down in green pastures and leads us beside still waters. The verse conveys a sense of gentle coaxing, a shepherd diligently and continuously guiding his sheep to where they can satisfy their hunger and thirst. Without guidance, sheep would stray into the wilderness and perish. Psalm 23:2 illustrates that God makes the first move.

The picture here is not of sheep grazing and drinking, but at rest, lying down, “stretched out” to use David’s word. Our Shepherd leads us by a slow and leisurely pace. You see, the picture is one of peacefulness, satisfaction, and rest.

Augustine cried out, “What will make me take my rest in You… so I can forget my restlessness and take hold of You, the one good thing in my life?” We long for peace, satisfaction and rest, don’t we? How often is it that we pray something like this at Sunday worship: “God, we are drained by another week. We are like a parched desert, empty and in need of replenishment."

The good news is that this deep longing begins with God. “He makes me [causes me to] lie down in green pastures he leads me beside quiet waters” (Psalm 23:2). The Good Shepherd “calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. When he has brought out all his own, he goes on ahead of them and his sheep follow him because they know his voice” (John 10:3-4).

God makes the first move. He takes the initiative by calling us and leading us to a place of rest. It’s not because we’re seeking God; He is seeking us. And so it is: God calls us, seeking us to seek Him, and our hearts resonate with longing for Him.

This understanding will radically change the way we look at our relationship with God. How? Well, this results in our relationship with our creator not being focused on duty nor discipline, you know some kind of a regimen that we impose on ourselves like a hundred sit-ups and fifty push-ups each day, but a response, an answer, to One who has been calling us all our lives.

What are those green pastures and quiet waters to which God leads us? And where are they? God Himself is our “true pasture” (Jeremiah 50:7) and our pool of quiet water. He is our true nourishment, our living water. There is a hunger in the human heart which nothing but God can satisfy. There is a thirst that no one but He can quench.  “Do not work for food that spoils,” Jesus said, “but for food that endures to eternal life, which the Son of Man will give you…. I am the bread of life. The one who comes to me will never go hungry, and he who believes in me will never be thirsty” (John 6:27, 35).

Today let us remember and live into the promises of God that say, “There remains, then, a Sabbath-rest for the people of God; for anyone who enters God’s rest also rests from their works, just as God did from his. Let us, therefore, make every effort to enter that rest.” (Hebrews 4:9-11a)   Amen.

IS THIS FOR US?

 

JUNE 3, 2024

Recently, I've engaged in conversations with many individuals who are exhausted from the stress of a hectic lifestyle. Therefore, this week, I propose we explore how the Bible encourages us to seek rest and rejuvenation. Although summer is not upon us yet, it offers a chance for renewal. Let's ready ourselves for everything God has in store for us.

Nehemiah 13:15

15 In those days I saw men in Judah treading winepresses on the Sabbath and bringing in grain and loading it on donkeys, together with wine, grapes, figs and all other kinds of loads. And they were bringing all this into Jerusalem on the Sabbath. Therefore I warned them against selling food on that day.

IS THIS FOR US?

This is and interesting Old Testament account in which we read that Nehemiah was concerned by the disregard for the Law. He is trying to correct the difficulties that had caused problems for Israel in the past. So, he orders the city gates to be closed at sunset on Friday. He requires the Levites (a Priestly class) to cleanse themselves and to guard the gates so that no one violates the Sabbath.

Ah Sabbath, any discussion of Sabbath immediately results in questions like: Should we also keep the Sabbath by refraining from work and travel? Isn’t sabbath observance from an ancient culture? What does this have to do with us moderns?

Perhaps the best way to answer such questions is to have a more complete understanding of the Sabbath regulations. These regulations imposed upon Israel were what the New Testament calls shadows, pictures of something even more important that God wants us to know and observe. The difficulty, I believe we can fall into, is to think that Sabbath observance is all about “don’t do’s”. We then look for loopholes. What I want us to think about today is that we observe the Sabbath when we live our lives based on what the Sabbath portrays.

At the heart of the Sabbath is the word rest. The Sabbath is intended for people, that they may learn to slow down and to rest. The Sabbath, some say, is God's stress management program! It is how to prevent exhaustion, fatigue, stress, and breakdown. Sabbath rest is the way to recover from too much pressure and a way we can catch up with ourselves. It is how we can gather ourselves together and become able to handle the work we must do.

There are two reasons given in the Scripture for the Sabbath. The first one is found in Exodus 20:11. There we are told that because God finished creation in six days and then rested on the seventh day, He asked His people to rest after six days of labor. Why did God rest? He accomplished His objective. God, it seems wanted people to recognize that there is a limit to their work. There is a need to stop, to allow the body, mind, and spirit to recognize their limitations. That’s the first one.

The second reason the Sabbath was given that is often overlooked. This reason receives little attention and should have more focus. God said to Israel, remember that you were slaves in Egypt and that the LORD your God brought you out of there with a mighty hand and an outstretched arm. Therefore, the LORD your God has commanded you to observe the Sabbath day (Deuteronomy 5:15). Do you see the second reason? God’s people were to rest in order to reflect on God's ability to work beyond the labors they had already completed.

So, there are two aspects of the Sabbath—creation and redemption. There is a rest of pausing, a ceasing from our own efforts and labours. But then there is the rest of rejoicing in the mighty power of God that provides us with deliverance from carrying the weight of our “to do” or “must do” and therefore invites us to trust in God’s ability. 

“Come to me, and I will give you rest.” --- JESUS

 

THAT'S 'right' NEIGHBOURLY of YOU

 

May 31, 2024

Let us end our week of reflections 

by looking at Jesus' teaching on Neighbouring.

Luke 10:27-30

The man answered, “You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, all your strength, and all your mind.” And, “Love your neighbor as yourself.” “Right!” Jesus told him. “Do this and you will live!” The man wanted to justify his actions, so he asked Jesus, “And who is my neighbor?”

THAT'S 'right' NEIGHBOURLY of YA

Jesus was asked a significant question by a religious leader, “What must I do to inherit eternal life?” This man was interested in what Jesus had to say about the topic of eternity.

Jesus however, turned the question back to him, “What is written in the law?” The man acknowledged that eternal life is promised to those who love God deeply; those who demonstrate love for God by the way they live, and the way they love others.

But, the man then asks Jesus to define the term “neighbor.”

In response, Jesus proceeded to tell the story of a person who demonstrated real love for God and others. It is the familiar story of The Good Samaritan. (Read Luke 10:30-37)

The essence of the story is that many people who claim to be religious do not truly understand God’s heart. Like the priest and Levite in the parable, they pass by people who are wounded, who have problems and are facing pain, they avoid personal involvement and investment in others lives. Jesus’ parable highlights that while they may give the appearance of spiritual maturity, externally, engaging in the right spiritual activities, they are missing an essential ingredient of heart, love for their neighbor.

The story contrasts the responses of individuals, like the “Expert in the Law”, whose spirituality is primarily self focused with that of a despised Samaritan who had the right kind of response and who understood God’s heart. In the story the Samaritan, took the time to get involved in the process of helping a hurting man. He had a compassionate heart. At his own expense, and sacrificing his own comfort, he made sure the beaten man was cared for and that healing occurred. He demonstrated the real stuff of salvation, a transformed heart that loved God and cared for others.

This parable was Jesus’ way of communicating how the saving love of God affects us. The saving love of God is the kind that works in us and transforms us into caring and compassionate people. Biblical salvation produces a desire to love God with all our heart, soul, strength and mind, AND it causes us to love our neighbors as ourselves.



Lord, would You please deepen my love for my neighborhood, this “place” I call home, and the people in it? Again I’m reminded of Jesus’ example, “The Word became flesh and moved into the neighborhood” (John 1:14). Amen

WALK. PRAY. PAY ATTENTION. LISTEN. Day 3

 

MAY 30, 2024

Luke 19:41-42

41 As he (Jesus) approached Jerusalem and saw the city, he wept over it 42 and said, “If you, even you, had only known on this day what would bring you peace—but now it is hidden from your eyes.

WALK. PRAY. PAY ATTENTION. LISTEN.

Lord, help me to see my neighborhood 

with Your eyes. 

May my heart break 

for those things that break Your heart. Amen

WALK. PRAY. PAY ATTENTION. LISTEN. DAY 2

 

May 29, 2024

 

Mark 12:29-31 The Message (MSG)

Jesus said, “The first in importance is, ‘Listen, Israel: The Lord your God is one; so love the Lord God with all your passion and prayer and intelligence and energy.’ And here is the second: ‘Love others as well as you love yourself.’ There is no other commandment that ranks with these.”

 

WALK. PRAY. PAY ATTENTION. LISTEN.

The last couple of days you likely noticed this heading of  WALK. PRAY. PAY ATTENTION. LISTEN. The intention of the title is to help us focus on our neighbors and our surroundings. As we move through our neighborhoods, walk or ride,  or mentally picture your street or the homes and people near you, the invitation this week is to pray for the area where God has placed us. Pray for the well being of your neighbors, and neighborhood.

 

Today We Pray:

Lord, as I walk past my neighbors’ homes, I’m mindful that I don’t know many of their names. Help me to learn the names of those living by me. Amen.

 

 

WALK. PRAY. PAY ATTENTION. LISTEN. DAY 1

 

May 28, 2024

There is something deep and transformational that happens when we walk the streets of our neighborhood while talking with God. You’re invited to make a "practice” by walking and praying through your own community.... I believe God has placed us where we are for a purpose and that loving our neighborhood's is part his plan. Building on Monday's devotion and God's instruction to "Pray for the Prosperty of the city ...." the rest of this week each day I will be posting a Bible Verse and a Prayer to help us "Love Where You Live" by praying for our neighborhood. 

DAY 1

John 1:14 The Message (MSG)

The Word became flesh and blood, and moved into the neighborhood. We saw the glory with our own eyes, the one-of-a-kind glory, like Father, like Son, Generous inside and out, true from start to finish.

WALK. PRAY. PAY ATTENTION. LISTEN. 

Lord, please deepen my affection for my neighborhood, the place I consider home. Amen.

COMMUNITY PRAYER

 

MAY 27, 2024


Jeremiah 29:7

But seek the welfare of the city where I have sent you into exile, and pray to the LORD on its behalf, for in its welfare you will find your welfare.

COMMUNITY PRAYER

Here is the backstory of the above verse. God’s People had been taken away into captivity. The Babylonians were God’s unsuspected means of judgment against Jerusalem and her inhabitants. The outcome was that the Israelites would be away from their homeland seventy years.

Jeremiah was God’s prophet during this time. God spoke through Jeremiah and told the his people to seek the welfare for the city in which they would live during the exile. God was saying, “Your survival depends on them. Your welfare depends on their welfare.” “Your ‘success’ during the exile is dependent not on praying for yourselves, but for how you’re praying for others.” This seems so contrary to some of my praying, it almost seems backwards. Would you agree? That Praying for others is more important than praying for our own stuff.

As I reflected on today’s text, I was thinking that if God were to send Jeremiah to our worshipping community, he would have the same message for us! He would tell us to pray for our community. I wonder if as Jesus followers our prayer is not so much for us to grow; as it is for those in our neighborhood to grow. It’s not for us to be blessed; it’s for our neighbors and community to be blessed.

I wonder if Jeremiah visited us, he would say something like “be Jesus to your community. Pray for your neighbor’s. Be present for them. Work and volunteer along with them. Love them with a care and compassion that Jesus modeled for us.

Who would have thought that our well-being was dependent upon how we prayed for the well-being of our neighborhood?



PRAYER

God, we ask for a flourishing community, where neighbors learn to love and care for each other and come to recognize your presence. We pray that we can be good stewards of Your love. Amen.