Share Daily Blessings With Loved Ones
Sunday, November 8
Psalm 145:1-5
“Great is the LORD and most worthy of praise; his greatness no one can fathom. One generation commends your works to another; they tell of your mighty acts….I will meditate on your wonderful works” (vv. 3-4, NIV).
Our Father God is always working. May he give us eyes to see his work, whether it is the tiniest bug in the garden or mighty snowy mountains. In such precious moments a bit of heaven touches the earth. May we see his work in our everyday lives through financial provision, a listening ear, a helpful motorist changing a flat tire, or a brilliant sunset. Let us share our observations with our children, grandchildren, church family, and neighbors. Our shared stories of God’s care will enliven our faith and the faith of those around us.
Father God, please help us to see your work in the big and small segments of life, and help us to share it across the generations. In Jesus’s name, Amen.
Share God’s Work In Community
Monday, November 10
Psalm 145:17-21
“The LORD is near to all who call on him.…he hears their cry and saves them….My mouth will speak in praise of the LORD” (vv. 18–21).
Our world brims over with pain, hate, and sufferings of countless kinds. Yet God is always at work blessing us. Each week, faithful prayer warriors meet Friday morning in our church. Reviewing past prayer requests, group members check in and give updates. In addition, each person shares where they saw God at work during the week. We are blessed when we join together each week to thank God for his work in our congregation. Praising God and sharing how God has cared for members of our church family through illness, job loss, or navigating a tricky situation brings inspiration and encouragement to the group and individual prayers.
God, please encourage and help us to tell of your work in our lives, knowing it will bring hope to those around us. In Jesus’s name, Amen.
Share God’s Work
Tuesday, November 11
Haggai 2:1-9
“‘Be strong, all you people of the land,’ declares the Lord, ‘and work. For I am with you,’ declares the LORD Almighty” (v. 4).
In this passage God is asking his people to rebuild the temple. Rather than just “do something,” how do we know what we should be doing?
In the 1990s, Henry Blackaby and Claude King wrote Experiencing God, a valuable study that challenged us to join God, who is always at work, in what he is doing in the world. Several of our fellow travelers in faith have found it helpful to ask God what he is doing and how can we join him in his work. This approach to “God’s work” has been exciting, and often we find ourselves outside our comfort zone. But these experiences are precious and give life meaning!
Lord, thank you for always being at work in individual lives, our congregations, communities, and the world. Please show us where we can join you in your work. In Jesus’s name, Amen.
Share God’s Words
Wednesday, November 12
Psalm 17:1-9
“I call on you, my God, for you will answer me” (v. 6).
The words sacrifice and relationships were strongly impressed in my heart and mind one day as I was awaiting a call. Then the call came. All three of our daughters happened to be together at the hospital. Life support was being removed from our son-in-law.
Then I understood; those were God’s words for me. I would stay home and sacrifice holy time with our middle daughter as her sisters supported her, cared for her, and strengthened the relationships among our three girls. The two sisters cared for our newly widowed forty-three-year-old daughter and her daughter for the next twenty-four hours. I am now confident our girls will be able to handle anything together, whether we are with them or not.
Jesus, thank you for bringing life and hope amid death through your words. In Jesus’s name, Amen.
Share God’s Victory
Thursday, November 13
Psalm 98:1-3
“Sing a new song to the LORD, for he has done wonderful deeds. His right hand has won a mighty victory” (v. 1, NLT).
Have you seen God’s victory? Our church congregation prayed for Lucy* for several years as she turned to drugs and homelessness rather than live with her husband and two children. Although it felt impossible at the time, today Lucy lives in a clean and sober house. She is back at work and working to restore relationship with her family. God has been victorious in Lucy’s life! Our church family praises God and marvels at his victory as we share Lucy’s story. (*Name changed.)
Lord, help my unbelief as I pray for those who are struggling. Thank you for the victory in Lucy’s life and in other lives that will be changed in the future. In Jesus’s name, Amen.
Share God’s Creation
Friday, November 14
Psalm 98:4-9
“Let the rivers clap their hands, let the mountains sing together for joy” (v. 8, NIV).
At this writing, it is springtime in western Washington State. God’s handiwork is all around us: sunshine causes flowering plum and cherry trees to glow against the backdrop of snowy rugged mountains peaks and deep blue skies. Vividly colored tulips and other blossoms dance in the breeze.
Many feel closest to God in his creation. Let us look for his handiwork in the sprouts of spring, the wind ruffling mighty shade trees or veggies growing in summer, in the brilliance of fall colors, and in winter’s frigid beauty.
God, please help us to see you in your creation and to join in the joyous song of praise. In Jesus’s name, Amen.
Share In Hope
Saturday, November 15
Job 19:23-27A
“I know my redeemer lives…yet in my flesh I will see God” (vv. 25–26, NIV).
Great-Aunt Dolly signed every Christmas letter, “Come, Lord Jesus, come.” As a young bride and then as a new mother, I puzzled over her closing. Wasn’t life full and intriguing?
However, today we see much chaos and suffering throughout our world. In my fourth quarter of life, I echo Job’s comments. I do know my Redeemer lives! I see his work often. And yet I look forward to seeing Jesus when there will be no more sorrow, crying, or pain. With more of life behind me than ahead of me, I join Aunt Dolly in saying, “Come, Lord Jesus, come!”
God, I look forward to seeing our precious Jesus. Please give us your strength, wisdom, and joy to sustain us until that day. In Jesus’s name, Amen.
