Meditate.
Devote yourselves to prayer with an alert
mind and a thankful heart. Pray for us, too, that God will give us many
opportunities to speak about his mysterious plan concerning Christ. That is why
I am here in chains. Pray that I will proclaim this message as clearly as I
should. Colossians 4:2-4
Do you sometimes feel like you are like
Paul…in chains during this “Stay Home
– Stay Safe” mandate? We keep hearing that it won’t be long now…and things are
beginning to open up. But for us old folk…those over 60 or even over 55 years
old…we are still facing some isolation from the public. Pray, like Paul
requested, that we will proclaim the message of the mysterious plan concerning Christ to others whenever we have the
opportunity. As we are allowed more public gatherings…and even more time just
with others around us, more opportunities arise. The lines haven’t been very
long in the grocery stores—and there are fewer people there. Sometimes it is
difficult to speak…with or without a mask, but we are admonished that we need
to proclaim the Gospel clearly to others…and not to be ashamed, just as Paul
wrote to the Romans and Jesus declared while instructing His disciples before
He sent them out to heal and minister to others.
For I am not ashamed of this Good News about
Christ. It is the power of God at work, saving everyone who believes--the Jew
first and also the Gentile. Romans 1:16
Everyone who acknowledges me publicly here
on earth, I will also acknowledge before my Father in heaven. But everyone who
denies me here on earth, I will also deny before my Father in heaven. Matthew
10:32-33
 |
| The empty cross gives us hope and peace. Jesus gives us joy. Abundantly. Thankfully. |
Jesus, like anyone else, wants to be
acknowledged in life. You do, too. Sometimes it is good to be anonymous, but it
is good to be acknowledged, recognized for just being there…for being a part of
your family, your work group, your circle of friends, your school or your
church. “Hey, I’m here and so are you.” With Jesus, it is a little more. He
wants you to tell others that He is part, a vital part, of your life. Look what
He has done for you and for others. Can you identify what He has done in your
life today? Can you share that with at least one other person?
Paul wrote…Devote yourselves to prayer with an alert mind and a thankful heart.
I pray like I am constantly talking to an old friend…yet God knows my heart
even before I speak. Still we must pray. Lately I’ve been convicted that we
must pray specifically for what we want or need. God is not a god that just
answers our “gimmies” but He wants to provide for our needs and wants—especially
as those fit into His will. Yet He is and has always been amazing.
The high and lofty one who lives in
eternity, the Holy One, says this: "I live in the high and holy place with
those whose spirits are contrite and humble. I restore the crushed spirit of
the humble and revive the courage of those with repentant hearts. For I will
not fight against you forever; I will not always be angry. If I were, all
people would pass away--all the souls I have made. I was angry, so I punished
these greedy people. I withdrew from them, but they kept going on their own
stubborn way. I have seen what they do, but I will heal them anyway! I will
lead them. I will comfort those who mourn, bringing words of praise to their
lips. May they have abundant peace, both near and far," says the LORD, who
heals them.
Isaiah 57:15-19
He sees us as we are. Stubborn…yet He heals us anyway…and
give us His peace. Peace in our hearts, if not our lives. That is important
right now. Suffering from anxiety is no fun. Jesus told us to not be anxious—to
cast all our cares on Him. Somehow that is easier said than done, but I trust
Him and I am experiencing His peace, joy, patience, kindness, goodness, gentleness,
faithfulness, self-control and above all love. May you seek the Lord…while He
can be found and find Him in these qualities in your life, too. No chains…just
peace, strength and hope.
Prayer ~Lord, Thank you for Your presence in
my life, for the peace that You give me in my heart, soul and mind. Renew my
mind day by day, minute by minute that I would know You more. May all that I
think, say and do be pleasing to You.
Verse
of Salvation ~ How beautiful on the mountains are the feet of the messenger who
brings good news, the good news of peace and salvation, the news that the God
of Israel reigns! Isaiah 52:7
May God reign in your heart, soul and mind
today as you seek and serve Him.
©
2020 Text and photo by Mickey M. Hunacek. All rights reserved.
Unless
otherwise indicated, all scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright
© 1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers,
Inc. Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
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