Christian Reflection and Prayer

Scripture:

Genesis 15:1-6

Reflection:

I admit to periodic short-term memory loss. I may
recognize God's blessing in my life, celebrated, and
thank God wholeheartedly for it. But, not too long
later, I am back to ruminating on a challenge I'm
facing, or focusing on what someone else has that
I don't.

God's word reminds me that I'm not alone. In this
passage God promises Abraham that his reward will
be great. Yet despite this reassurance, Abraham is
more focused on what he does not have been what
he has been given and promised by God. Remarkably,
God does not take offense to Abraham's challenge.
Instead, God offers him grace and another opportunity.
He calmly takes Abraham outside to look at the stars
and help them gain perspective, promising him a son
and countless descendents. This time Abraham
believes the Lord, and God declares him righteous
because of his faith. Abraham was figuring out his faith.
God offers us the same grace as we work out our faith
with him.

Prayer:

Lord, help me remember and give thanks each day for
your activity in my life. Amen

(The Covenant Home Alter, Daily Devotions, author
Jennifer Andersson)

Scripture:

Psalm 39:4-7

Reflection:

Nearly every day I walk alongside individuals and
families who are knowingly facing their last days.
Some people, in the midst of their grief, sense
peace and hope. Others are consumed with anxiety
and fear. In the 20-plus years I've been a social
worker, I rarely hear what people did professionally,
how much money they made, how much stuff they
accumulated, or how many extravagant vacations
they took. When I hear about is her healthy or broken
relationships; how someone's presence and support
helps carry them, or how the void of a lost relationship
adds to the emotional and physical pain.

Our human existence is but a breath. Are you afraid
that what you do and have is the sum of your ultimate
worth? Does it prove God's love for you? What do you
focus on as your source of hope? This life is fleeting.
We are merely moving shadows. God offers Himself
freely as our source of life, value, worth, and hope.

Prayer:

Lord, remind me how brief my time on earth will be.
You are my hope now. You are my hope for ever:
Amen

(The Covenant Home Alter, Daily Devotions author
Jennifer Andersson)

Scripture:

Psalm 27:7-14

"My heart has heard you say, ‘Come and talk with me.’
And my heart responds, ‘Lord I am coming’ " (v. 8, NLT)

Reflection:

16 years ago we went through a time of sudden and
significant loss of health and life among my in-laws and
parents. The rug felt pulled out from under us, and we had
landed on our heads. In the midst of my pain and confusion,
God whispered to me, "Come and talk with me." But my
response was to say, "Not yet.

A year later, my heart finally responded, "Lord, I am
coming." When I came, I didn't usually talk or listen to
God-I yelled. Yet in my core I knew God heard the cries of
my heart, patiently listening to my pain. God will not
abandon us. God hears our pleading. And God always
answers.

Wait patiently in the midst of God's own "not yet" for the
full answer. We for your" yes" or "no." Wait in the "maybe."
"Yet I am confident that I will see the Lords goodness"
(v.13. NLT)

Prayer:

Jesus, make your home in my heart. It could be messy,
but we'll create a place of real and honest relationship
together. Amen

(The Covenant Home Alter, Daily Devotions author Jennifer Andersson)