Children of God

 PRAYER PRACTICE

Prayer Journal – To begin your daily worship today, grab a pen and paper and write out a prayer to God. Give thanks to God for all that He gives. And then finish with supplication – with your prayer requests to God. When you are done, tuck this away somewhere (so you can read it later and see how God has answered your prayers) and then move into hearing from God through His Word.

DAILY READING

 1 John 5:18-20

DEVOTION / REFLECTION

The Perfect Plan

by Judy Webb

I don't know about the rest of you, but I have been really struggling lately. Just the idea that so many of us are filled with hate for our country just blows my mind. I was raised to pledge allegiance to the flag, to find ways to serve my country and my fellow Americans. The only thing that fills my heart with more emotion than the National Anthem, is singing Praise and Worship songs to Jesus when gathered with fellow Believers. When we, as Christians come together and lift our hearts and hands to God, it is hard to contain the emotions. 

This past Saturday, the 20th anniversary of 911 embodied emotion and patriotism for me. I read and re-read a number of the stories of bravery and love and honor and was humbled to have been a witness to that day. Something has gone terribly wrong since that day. Or has it?

This might just be the perfect plan. The obvious opportunity to 'be the change' we cry out for. It is certainly a time to turn to Jesus and open up that Bible. Truth and honesty are found on the pages of this book.

We know that anyone born of God does not continue to sin; the One who was born of God keeps them safe, and the evil one cannot harm them. We know that we are children of God, and that the whole world is under the control of the evil one. We know also that the Son of God has come and has given us understanding, so that we may know him who is true. And we are in him who is true by being in his Son Jesus Christ. He is the true God and eternal life. 

Truths like – ¹ once we accept Jesus, sin will not be our way of life. ² We are protected from the evil one. While not perfect, we are protected. This gives me comfort and the courage to face tomorrow. I plan to continue the search for truth, trusting in God to lead me on the right path.

I know from personal experience that when it looked the darkest for me, that was when God…stepped in and changed my heart. Truth took center stage. Perhaps now is once again a dark hour. Perhaps this will be another season when God...