Devotion for August 24, 2011 – Just For Today
Photo by Dave Alexander, www.emeraldcoastreflections.com. Used by permission; all rights reserved internationally.
Today's Scripture Reading
Jeremiah 15:15-21
15 O Lord, you know;
remember me and visit me,
and take vengeance for me on my persecutors.
In your forbearance take me not away;
know that for your sake I bear reproach.
16 Your words were found, and I ate them,
and your words became to me a joy
and the delight of my heart,
for I am called by your name,
O Lord, God of hosts.
17 I did not sit in the company of revelers,
nor did I rejoice;
I sat alone, because your hand was upon me,
for you had filled me with indignation.
18 Why is my pain unceasing,
my wound incurable,
refusing to be healed?
Will you be to me like a deceitful brook,
like waters that fail?
19 Therefore thus says the Lord:
“If you return, I will restore you,
and you shall stand before me.
If you utter what is precious, and not what is worthless,
you shall be as my mouth.
They shall turn to you,
but you shall not turn to them.
20 And I will make you to this people
a fortified wall of bronze;
they will fight against you,
but they shall not prevail over you,
for I am with you
to save you and deliver you,
declares the Lord.
21 I will deliver you out of the hand of the wicked,
and redeem you from the grasp of the ruthless.”
Today's Devotion
I wonder if anyone else has trouble with trying to serve a great and wonderful God and speak of God's love to the world--- but then being so busy going about this, going about daily activities that we leave the most important thing out?
The God we serve is a living God, and there for us each new day, in each new situation. God gives inspiration unique for this day. God has waiting special strength, insight and wisdom especially for the situations at hand on this very day, for right now.
Last week I cleaned out the refrigerator, and threw out all of the jars, bottles, and containers there that had long expired. Some leftovers in the back of the freezer had my own labels from over two years ago! I'd never think of heating that food up and serving it today. Not for myself, and certainly not for guests!
So why should I serve yesterday's inspiration up for people and situations today, when God has planned that fresh source of what is needed for today, just like manna in the wilderness? God has waiting, if only I listen and take heed, what is needed for me to know and to say, especially for what is before me this day.
Prayer: O Gracious God, forgive us for being so busy, forgetful, or disobedient that we fail to come to you today for the gifts that you have provided---that you have provided just for us, just for the unique challenges before us today.
Thank you for the wonderful ways you have equipped each of us in the past, giving strength, insight, and inspiration for what was then at hand. But dear Lord, help us not to attempt to get by today by relying only upon that treasure store that was available and unique to another day and its situations.
Oh, the loss of what was to be your great equipping, that storehouse that we let lie untouched in the times that have passed! Forgive us, Lord. That is yesterday's loss. But this is today, and all we can control is our today, our now.
So gracious God, please help us enter into each new day eager to recieve that fresh word from you that you have waiting. Help us to go boldly into what lies before us today, knowing that we are empowered by the Holy Spirit's leading on this path before us, knowing that we are equipped by the strengths and mercies that you provide---just for this day, just for this moment.
Let us make time in this day to be still and know that you are God, to know most fully the treasure store that is there, waiting, just for this day.
Thank you for being our creator and sustainer through this and every day of our lives. Thank you for your wonderful love that is there for each of us, waiting, no matter what tomorrow will bring.
In Jesus' name we pray, Amen
Today's devotion was shared by
Pastor Deb Phelps
Deb Phelps is Senior Minister of DisciplesNet Church, and an ordained minister with the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ).