Prayer Practice
Breath Prayer – Take 2-3
minutes today to pray a simple breath prayer. Get somewhere quiet and relaxing.
Breathe in deeply, and then breathe out fully. As you breathe in, ask God to
fill you with His presence, grace, love, peace, etc. Consider using the list of
spiritual fruit in Galatians 5:22-23. As you breathe out, offer to God the
things you need Him to take from you – sin, doubt, shame, anxiety, fear, etc.
Pray this way for just a few minutes, trusting God to work, and then begin
reading today’s Scripture.
DAILY READING
REFLECTION
Rewind, Pause, and Fast Forward
by Mary McGinnis
If you have been reading along with us in this “Daily Worship” blog, you know that we just finished the book of Luke.
Even if this is your first time reading this blog, you might be wondering, “Why are you talking about the Birth of Jesus on February 20th? It feels like we have hit the rewind button today as we reread the Christmas story.
I really “love” my rewind button. Whether it is when I am watching a movie or listening to an audio book. Sometimes I feel like I need to rewind, because I want to capture something I missed, or replay a scene that might bring new light to something that happens later in a story line. For me, sometimes having heard the end of the story, or the next chapter, rewinding to an earlier episode or chapter reveals something new. I discover a new perspective, a nuance I had not noticed before, or a new understanding of how the whole story comes together.
This is what struck me today, as we hit “rewind” on the story of God’s grace unfolded in the look of Luke.
“But when [in God’s plan] the proper time had fully come, God sent His Son, born of a woman. . .” Galatians 4:4a AMP
“He (Jesus) was chosen before the creation of the world, but was revealed in these last times for your sake.” 1 Peter 1:20
God knew from before the world began, that He would send Jesus to this earth to be born, to live and to die for us! He saw the whole picture, from start to finish, and He revealed it one segment at a time. None of it was a surprise to Him.
This gave me cause to pause. Press the “pause” button on these thoughts today. Ponder on how God’s grace for YOU was so rich, that He chose to plan it long before time began.
He is still unfolding His plans for us even now in this season of life, February 20, 2021. Even when things seem chaotic and life is hard. Nothing is a surprise to Him. In His divine mercy and love, He holds us in His hands when we cling to Jesus.
This is not the end of the story. When you become discouraged and weary, allow your mind to fast forward to the end of the story.
He will come again! Later in Luke, he writes, “At that time they will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory.” Luke 21:27
“He who testifies to these things says, ‘Yes, I am coming soon.’
Amen. Come, Lord Jesus.
From the depths of your heart today, inhale and pray, “Even so come,” and exhale, “Lord Jesus Come!”
2 comments:
Hi, Mary! Thank you for this message of hope and encouragement during times when we can all use a reminder that life's challenges are only temporary and that our future is bright.
Today my rewind button brought back how God has chosen those of no social status or power to implement His plan of salvation. A carpenter(maybe a stone mason), a poor virgin, shepherds, a manger in a barn, animals, the lowest level of offering acceptable as a sacrifice...I am one of those who was totally unqualified for salvation. He chose me and brought me out of darkness into his glorious light through the Holy Spirit, His Word and fellow Christians. I am one of those Jesus refers to when he says, "I thank you Father for concealing these things from the wise and learned and revealing them to little children"(Matt.11:25
Yes indeed, Come Lord Jesus! On that day we will see the heavenly host return only this time with Him in all His glory, power, majesty and beauty. Cant wait.
Robin Lorms
Yes, Robin! Our God is so gracious to reveal such mysteries to the humble and lowly. So grateful that He has called me out of the darkness too. Can't wait to be right there beside you when He comes again! What a glorious day that will be!
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