When Life Doesn't Make Sense - Romans 8:28

When Life Doesn’t Make Sense
Romans 8:28
September 29, 2024

“Dear Lord, thank you that we can meet together this day. We pray that you would please speak to our hearts this day, and calm our fears, and let us know inside ourselves that we can trust you, totally. You are our provider, and you promised to never forsake us. In Jesus name, Amen.

BIBLE READING

Romans 8:28

“And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.”

INTRODUCTION

A man was going through a tough time. 

He had lost his job, and nothing seemed to be working out. 

Day after day, he prayed, but nothing changed. 

He began to wonder, “Does God even care? Is He still in control?”

Then one day, he got a call for a job interview. 

It wasn’t the job he had wanted, but he decided to go. 

Little did he know, that job would lead him to meet new people, develop new skills, and eventually, it became the best job he had ever had. 

Looking back, he realized God had been guiding him all along, even when it felt like everything was falling apart.

Sometimes life doesn’t go the way we want. 

We face disappointments, setbacks, and trials that make us wonder if God is really in control.

Romans 8:28 reminds us that God is always working for our good, even when we can’t see it. Today, we’ll explore how we can trust God’s plan, especially in the hard times, and learn to see His hand at work in our lives.

Today we are going to examine this verse, and find peace in knowing that God is always working for our good, even in trials.

GOD IS ALWAYS WORKING BEHIND THE SCENES

A young boy watched as his grandmother carefully wove a rug. 

He couldn’t understand why she was putting certain threads together—they didn’t seem to match. 

But when the rug was finished, it was beautiful, and everything made sense. 

From his small perspective, he couldn’t see the whole picture, but his grandmother had the perfect design in mind all along.

Like the boy watching his grandmother, we often don’t understand what God is doing in our lives. 

Things might seem confusing, and we might wonder why certain things are happening. 

But Romans 8:28 assures us that God is always working behind the scenes. 

He has a plan, and every thread of our lives, even the hard times, has a purpose.

Jeremiah 29:11 "For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the Lord, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope."

Proverbs 3:5-6 "Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths."

Isaiah 55:8-9 "For My thoughts are not your thoughts, nor are your ways My ways, says the Lord."

TRIALS CAN LEAD TO BLESSINGS

A farmer once had a horse that ran away. 

His neighbors said, “How unlucky you are!” The farmer replied, “Maybe, maybe not.” 

The next day, the horse returned with several wild horses. 

The neighbors exclaimed, “How lucky you are!” The farmer replied again, “Maybe, maybe not.” 

Shortly after, the farmer’s son was thrown from one of the wild horses and broke his leg. 

The neighbors said, “How unfortunate!” The farmer replied once more, “Maybe, maybe not.” 

A week later, soldiers came to the village to recruit young men for the army, but because of his injury, the son was not taken. 

The farmer knew that even in trials, blessings can come.

Often, we see trials as setbacks or punishments, but God can use them to bring about blessings we never expected. 

Romans 8:28 reminds us that God can turn even our struggles into something good. 

We may not see the blessing right away, but we can trust that God is working everything out for our good.

James 1:2-3 "My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience."

Genesis 50:20 "But as for you, you meant evil against me; but God meant it for good, in order to bring it about as it is this day, to save many people alive."

2 Corinthians 4:17 "For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, is working for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory."

TRUSTING GOD BRINGS PEACE

There was a man who loved to go sailing. 

One day, while out on the water, a storm hit. 

The wind and waves were fierce, but the man didn’t panic. 

He trusted the strength of his boat and knew how to navigate through the storm. 

After some time, the skies cleared, and he sailed safely to shore. 

His confidence in his boat and his knowledge of sailing kept him calm through the storm.

When we trust in God’s plan, even when we face trials, we can find peace. 

We don’t have to understand everything or have all the answers. 

Just like the man in the boat, our trust in God’s power and goodness gives us the confidence to face life’s storms without fear. 

Romans 8:28 teaches us that we can rest in the knowledge that God is working all things for our good. 

This brings us peace in the middle of the storm.

Philippians 4:6-7 "Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus."

Isaiah 26:3 "You will keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on You, because he trusts in You."

John 14:27 "Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid."

SUMMARY

Romans 8:28 teaches us that God is always working for our good, even when we don’t understand what’s happening.

Trials can lead to unexpected blessings, and God uses even our struggles for His purpose.

Trusting God’s plan brings us peace, even in the middle of life’s storms.

CONCLUSION

Remember the man who lost his job and felt like God wasn’t listening. 

In the end, God was leading him to something better all along. 

Just like that man, we may not always understand what God is doing, but we can trust that He is always working for our good. 

When we face trials, let’s hold onto the truth of Romans 8:28 and trust God’s plan, knowing that He sees the bigger picture and has a good purpose for everything.

PRAYER

“Dear Lord, thank you for your Word. Thank you that you have the big picture, and your plan and purpose for each of us will stand. Help us please to walk in faith, trusting you, and that all this will work together for good. In Jesus name, Amen.”

Compassion in Action - Luke 10:25-37

Compassion in Action September 22, 2024 Luke 10:25-37

Good morning friends! I hope you are doing well.

BIBLE READING

Luke 10:25-37
“Just then a lawyer stood up to test Jesus. “Teacher,” he said, “what must I do to inherit eternal life?” 26 He said to him, “What is written in the law? What do you read there?” 27 He answered, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your strength, and with all your mind; and your neighbor as yourself.” 28 And he said to him, “You have given the right answer; do this, and you will live.”

29 But wanting to justify himself, he asked Jesus, “And who is my neighbor?” 30 Jesus replied, “A man was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho, and fell into the hands of robbers, who stripped him, beat him, and went away, leaving him half dead. 31 Now by chance a priest was going down that road; and when he saw him, he passed by on the other side. 32 So likewise a Levite, when he came to the place and saw him, passed by on the other side.

33 But a Samaritan while traveling came near him; and when he saw him, he was moved with pity. 34 He went to him and bandaged his wounds, having poured oil and wine on them. Then he put him on his own animal, brought him to an inn, and took care of him. 35 The next day he took out two denarii, gave them to the innkeeper, and said, ‘Take care of him; and when I come back, I will repay you whatever more you spend.’ 36 Which of these three, do you think, was a neighbor to the man who fell into the hands of the robbers?” 37 He said, “The one who showed him mercy.” Jesus said to him, “Go and do likewise.”

INTRODUCTION

Imagine walking down a dusty road when you suddenly see someone lying by the roadside, clearly hurt and in need. You see others walking by, ignoring the person. You feel a pull in your heart to help, but also a hesitation—what if it’s dangerous, or what if you don’t know what to do? After a moment, you decide to stop and offer assistance. Your act of kindness could make a huge change in that person’s life.

The story of the Good Samaritan is one of the most famous stories Jesus told. It teaches us how to be a good neighbor, not just to those we know, but to anyone in need.

The purpose of this sermon is to understand how God calls us to respond to trials—not just our own, but those of others around us. As we explore the parable of the Good Samaritan, we’ll learn that God calls us to act in love and compassion, even when it’s inconvenient or difficult.

Today, we’re going to look at this story and learn what it means to truly help others, even when it's not easy. We will also see how this parable can teach us how to face trials with kindness and compassion.

SHOWING COMPASSION

There was once a busy man who saw a stranger struggling with a heavy load. He was in a hurry and didn’t want to be late for work, but something in his heart wouldn’t let him just pass by. He stopped and offered to help, even though it cost him time. In the end, the stranger was so grateful, and the busy man found that his small act of kindness brought him more joy than making it to work on time.

The priest and the Levite in the story of the Good Samaritan were both busy people. They saw the man in need, but they chose to walk by, likely because it was inconvenient. The Samaritan, however, stopped. He let compassion guide his actions instead of his schedule. This teaches us that true love doesn’t just show up when it’s convenient. It shows up when it’s needed. Helping others may take time, but it’s worth it.

Matthew 9:36

"But when He saw the multitudes, He was moved with compassion for them, because they were weary and scattered, like sheep having no shepherd."

Colossians 3:12 

"Therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, put on tender mercies, kindness, humility, meekness, longsuffering."

1 John 3:17 

"But whoever has this world’s goods, and sees his brother in need, and shuts up his heart from him, how does the love of God abide in him?"

LOVE IN ACTION

A man once saw a person by the side of the road with a broken cart. He didn’t have any tools on him, and it would have been easier to keep walking. But instead, he stopped, found help, and even gave some of his own food to the person. His action showed that love isn’t just a feeling; it’s something we do.

The Samaritan didn’t just feel sorry for the man who was attacked; he did something about it. He bandaged his wounds, took him to a safe place, and paid for his care. Love is more than just feeling bad for someone—it’s about taking action to help them. When we face trials, or when we see others going through tough times, God calls us to show our love by what we do, not just what we say.

James 2:15-16 

"If a brother or sister is naked and destitute of daily food, and one of you says to them, 'Depart in peace, be warmed and filled,' but you do not give them the things which are needed for the body, what does it profit?"

1 John 3:18

"My little children, let us not love in word or in tongue, but in deed and in truth."

Luke 6:31

"And just as you want men to do to you, you also do to them likewise."

HELP WITHOUT HESITATION

One day my wife and I were at a railway station. That day I was having a severe allergic reaction, and the soles of my feet were swollen and painful, and I was hobbling along, carrying two heavy suitcases. We had to climb the stairs to get from one platform to the other. A stranger saw my need, and immediately came up to me and offered to carry my suitcases. His generosity amazed me.

The Samaritan didn’t wait to be asked for help. He didn’t wonder if someone else might come along. He saw a need, and he acted immediately. When we face a situation, hesitation can keep us stuck in fear or doubt. But when we see others going through hard times, we shouldn’t wait for them to ask us for help. We should be quick to offer assistance, just as the Good Samaritan did. Our quick response can make all the difference. More than that, God’s heart is to respond to our needs quickly. We should do the same, for our neighbor.

Proverbs 3:27 

"Do not withhold good from those to whom it is due, when it is in the power of your hand to do so."

Galatians 6:2 

"Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ."

Hebrews 13:16 

"But do not forget to do good and to share, for with such sacrifices God is well pleased."

SUMMARY

The Good Samaritan story teaches us that:

We must act with compassion, even when it’s not convenient.

True love is shown through our actions, not just our words.

Helping others should be done without hesitation. Because this is God’s heart toward us.

CONCLUSION

Remember the story of the person walking by the roadside and choosing to help. Just like that person, we are called to be quick to offer help when we see someone in need. 

Trials and difficulties come in many forms, and sometimes, they come to us in the form of someone else’s pain. 

When we see other people with those trials, let’s not hesitate—let’s show our love in our actions, just like the Good Samaritan.

1 John 3:18

“My little children, let us not love in word, neither in tongue; but in deed and in truth”

PRAYER

“Dear Lord, thank you for teaching us to have your heart for the people around us, our neighbors. Help us to show your compassion and help to them. Help us be Your hands and feet. In Jesus name. Amen.”

Overcoming Fear With Faith - 2 Timothy 1:7

Overcoming Fear with Faith

September 15, 2024

2 Timothy 1:7

Good morning friends! I hope you are doing well.

Let’s pray: “Dear Lord, thank you for your protection over us. Thank you for watching over us continually. Please speak to us through your Word today. In Jesus name, Amen.”

BIBLE READING

2 Timothy 1:6-7

“Therefore I remind you to stir up the gift of God which is in you through the laying on of my hands. 7 For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.”

INTRODUCTION

I grew up with a fear of heights. When I was really young, maybe 8 or 9, I tried walking along the top of a fence. It had been raining previously, and the fence was wet and slippery. Of course, I slipped, and fell flat on my back, onto a concrete path. It knocked all the air out of my lungs and I was gasping for air. This experience gave me a fear of heights. 

While having a fear of heights protected me from danger, it was excessive and unreasonable. I was not able to go more than two rungs up a ladder, even if it was totally safe. My fear held me back from doing so. So this fear of heights was a problem. Thankfully when I was 19, I learned to overcome this fear, and yet still be careful.

Most of us fear something. Fear is something we all face. Whether it’s fear of the unknown, fear of failure, or fear of rejection, it can stop us from moving forward. But God has given us a powerful tool to overcome fear—our faith. In 2 Timothy 1:7, Paul reminds us that God hasn’t given us a spirit of fear, but one of power, love, and a sound mind. 

Today, we’re going to explore how we can overcome fear with the faith God has given us. 

We are going to examine how faith in God helps us face our fears and overcome the trials that come our way. We’ll see how God gives us the strength to replace fear with courage, love, and peace of mind.

POWER TO OVERCOME FEAR

Have you ever watched a storm roll in? The sky grows darker, the clouds are ominous. The wind picks up, and then the rain starts pouring down. If you’re caught outside, it’s scary. But when you’re safe inside a sturdy house, the fear fades. You know the storm can’t touch you inside because you’re protected.

In the same way, God has given us a spirit of power to face the storms of life. 

We don’t need to be afraid because we’re protected by God’s power. Fear tries to convince us that we’re weak, but God’s power in us is greater than any challenge or trial we face. His power enables us to move forward, even when we feel afraid.

Isaiah 41:10

"Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, yes, I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand."

Psalm 27:1 

"The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The Lord is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?"

Ephesians 6:10 

"Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might."

LOVE DRIVES OUT FEAR

I once worked for an employer, who was actually a very good boss. At the time however, I had a fear of people in positions of authority over me, which started when I was growing up. The trouble is that these fears are immature and we need to overcome them. Otherwise the fears will hold us back from God’s purposes for our life. I decided to apply the verse we are studying to the situation.

Instead of being afraid of my boss, I told myself “I love my boss. I care about what happens in his life. I pray for God to help him. I love him with the love that God has placed in my heart.” Once I started praying for my boss, and changing my perspective, I found he was not so scary after all.

In our Bible reading, it appears that Timothy, a young pastor, was afraid of people and their possible reactions to his messages. Paul encourages him to trust in God.

2 Timothy 1:6-7

“Therefore I remind you to stir up the gift of God which is in you through the laying on of my hands. 7 For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.”

God’s love in us, provides the way to cast out the fear.

God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of love. His love for us is perfect, and His perfect love casts out fear. When we understand just how much God loves us, it becomes easier to trust Him and let go of fear. The more we focus on God’s love, the less room there is for fear in our hearts.

1 John 4:18 

"There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear, because fear involves torment. But he who fears has not been made perfect in love."

Romans 8:38-39 

"For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities nor powers, nor things present nor things to come... shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord."

John 15:9 

"As the Father loved Me, I also have loved you; abide in My love."

A SOUND MIND OVERCOMES FEAR

Sometimes we panic. We become afraid. I used to hike on the Pacific Crest Trail in California. One time I had set myself to hike a long stretch along a ridge, 30 miles, which had no water sources. I planned to cover it in two days. This meant I had to carry enough water in my backpack to cover my needs. The first day started fine. As I walked though, it became very hot. I would take little sips of water. The backpack felt more and more heavy, because of the water I was carrying. And my feet started to blister because of the weight I was carrying. This slowed me down. I had planned to travel 15 miles each day. After 12 miles though, I could not go any further. The pain in my feet and back, my tiredness and the high temperature were too much. So I stopped, and camped for the night. I was dehydrated, and during the night I kept sipping water. 

In the morning I thought about my situation. I had used up more than half of my water. Because I had only hiked 12 miles the day before, I now had to hike 18 miles, with blistered feet, but with insufficient water. I was in trouble. I found a place where I could find a cell phone signal, and texted my wife, asking her to contact the ranger. Thankfully, they were able to get me off the ridge, and back to civilization. I was very close to panicking that day. But by praying to God and thinking through the situation I was able to take the right steps.

God gives us a sound mind—self-discipline and peace to think clearly even when fear tries to confuse us. When we keep our focus on God and His Word, our minds are strengthened. We can think calmly and clearly, trusting that God is guiding us through every trial.

Philippians 4:6-7

"Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus."

Isaiah 26:3 

"You will keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on You, because he trusts in You."

We don't need to give in to fear or anxiety. God gives us the abilty to think clearly, when we ask him to direct our path.

Romans 12:2

"And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God." 

SUMMARY

God has not given us a spirit of fear.

Instead, He has given us power to face any challenge.

He has given us love to cast out fear and remind us of His care.

And he has given us a sound mind to think clearly and trust Him even when trials come.

CONCLUSION

Fear can stop us from climbing up ladders, it can hurt our relationship with our employer, and it can cause panic when the situation becomes intense.

But God invites us to trust Him. He has given us everything we need to overcome fear—His power, His love, and a sound mind. When fear tries to hold us back, we can move forward in faith, knowing that God is with us, guiding us, and protecting us.

PRAYER

“Dear Lord, thank you for walking with us through the fire of every situation. You are not far from us, but with us, even dwelling inside us through your Holy Spirit. Please help us to overcome fear and trust You completely, no matter what trials we face. Remind us daily of Your great love for us and give us that peace that passes all understanding. In Jesus’ name, Amen.”

From Death to Life - John 11:1-44

The Raising of Lazarus 

John 11:1-44 

September 8, 2024

BIBLE READING 

John 11:1-44

INTRODUCTION

Have you ever needed something, waited for it, and then felt time was running out?

I had one of these times. 

My wife and I were planting a church in Wisconsin. We were totally dependent on God’s support. I had tried to get work, but had only had a few short assignments. Somehow we managed. We were even able to buy a house. 

But the mortgage was coming due. 
We did not have the money to do this. I was forced to trust God to provide. The time when we needed to pay, got closer and closer. We kept praying. Now it was just 3 days before the mortgage was due.

Have you had a time like this, when you desperately needed help, prayed for it, expected an answer, but it didnt seem to be coming? It seems the longer we wait, the harder it can be to keep hope.

In John 11, we read about Lazarus, a close friend of Jesus, who became very sick. His sisters, Mary and Martha, sent word to Jesus, hoping He would come quickly to heal their brother. Instead of rushing, Jesus waited. By the time He arrived, Lazarus had been dead for four days. But what seemed like a delay was actually a setup for a powerful miracle.

Today, we’ll explore how the story of Lazarus teaches us to trust God even when we face trials, delays, and disappointments. We’ll see that God’s timing is always perfect, and even in our darkest moments, He is at work. He is faithful to his promises.

What does this passage teach us about how we deal with trials? 

It shows us that even when we feel like God is delaying or that all hope is lost, He is still in control. Our trials can be opportunities for God to display His power and bring new life.

TRUST GOD’S TIMING

Have you been stuck in traffic, trying to make it to an important appointment? Every minute that passes makes you more anxious, wondering if you’ll miss it altogether. But sometimes, delays can keep us safe from things we don’t even see ahead.

In the story of Lazarus, Mary and Martha must have felt anxious and heartbroken when Jesus didn’t show up right away. They trusted Him to heal their brother, but instead, Jesus delayed. 

What they didn’t realize was that this delay had a purpose. Jesus was about to do something far greater than healing a sickness - He was about to raise Lazarus from the dead.

John 11:4 
"When Jesus heard that, He said, 'This sickness is not unto death, but for the glory of God, that the Son of God may be glorified through it.'"

We don't know why God did not intervene immediately. God does things in his own time, knowing all things. Sometimes he wants us to learn a lesson, sometimes he is teaching someone else, sometimes he is giving someone time to repent so they can pray for us. Sometimes God wants to answer our prayers in an unexpected manner, requiring a delayed response. We don't know the reasons, our position is to continue trusting our Father, that he knows best.
  
Isaiah 55:8-9 
"For My thoughts are not your thoughts, nor are your ways My ways,' says the Lord. 'For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are My ways higher than your ways, and My thoughts than your thoughts.'"

God thinks differently than we do. Sometimes we create God in our image, we see him as being like us, and living up to our expectations. While he is the creator of the universe! I can't even build a house, or repair my car. God is so much wiser, all-knowing and all-powerful. 

Ecclesiastes 3:1 
"To everything there is a season, a time for every purpose under heaven."

Things happen in life. We live in a fallen world. No matter where this trial comes from, God is continually with us as we walk through the fire. Remember Daniel's friends (Daniel 3:24-25).

GOD HAS POWER OVER DEATH

Think about a seed that is planted in the ground. It looks like it’s buried, lifeless, but given time, that seed will grow into a beautiful plant. 

What seems like death is actually the start of new life. When Jesus arrived at Lazarus’s tomb, it seemed like the end. Lazarus had been dead for four days. 

But Jesus wasn’t limited by the situation. Jesus called Lazarus out of the grave, proving that not even death could stop Him. This shows that no matter how hopeless our situation may seem, God has the power to bring life where there is darkness and death.

John 11:25-26 
 "Jesus said to her, 'I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in Me, though he may die, he shall live. And whoever lives and believes in Me shall never die. Do you believe this?'"

This verse speaks of eternal life beyond the moment of dying. Our ultimate eternal life with Jesus will cause the pain of this life to pale into insignificance. There are no tears in heaven.

But there is a deeper meaning for us as well. God is creating life in the darkness of our situation. God looks further than the present circumstances. This situation may seem tough, impossible, and we see no way out. But God has a perfect viewpoint. From his perspective he can see the future, how this trial is going to strengthen us, and create life in our darkness. Think about Job. He lost everything, but God prospered him amazingly after Job had learned what he needed from the trial. 

John 5:24 
"Most assuredly, I say to you, he who hears My word and believes in Him who sent Me has everlasting life, and shall not come into judgment, but has passed from death into life."

TRIALS DISPLAY GOD’S GREATNESS

Imagine a dark room. There is no light. When someone lights a candle, the darkness disappears, and the light shines brightly. The darker the room, the more noticeable the light becomes. 

Trials are like darkness, and the light of a candle represents God’s power that shines through, and removes the darkness.

Jesus knew that Lazarus’s death would provide an opportunity for God’s greatness to be revealed. The crowd that gathered to mourn witnessed a powerful miracle, and many believed in Jesus as a result. 

In the same way, our trials can be opportunities for God to display His power in our lives. What seems impossible to us is always possible with God.

John 11:40 
"Jesus said to her, 'Did I not say to you that if you would believe you would see the glory of God?'"

2 Corinthians 12:9 
"And He said to me, 'My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.'"

Romans 8:28 
"And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose."

God's purpose will be accomplished. We can trust that he will do right by us. He is faithful. And he will cause our situation to ultimately be for our good. Even if we can't see that yet.

SUMMARY

So there are three big lessons in the story of Lazarus.

First, trust God’s timing, even when it feels like He’s delaying.

Second, believe in God’s power over death and hopeless situations.

And third, remember that trials can be opportunities for God’s greatness to be revealed in your life.

CONCLUSION

Remember the story I told, about waiting on God to supply funds for the mortgage payment?

The payment had to be made on Monday. Two days before, on Saturday morning, I went to the mailbox.

There was an envelope there, sent by a friend in Los Angeles. He had sent a check, for four times the amount we needed to pay the mortgage. He had actually mailed the check even before we realized we had a problem.

God was and still is, faithful.

You have troubles, trials and needs. Give it all to God to take care of. God will take care of it.

1 Peter 5:6-7
“Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time, 7 casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you.”

PRAYER
“Dear Lord, thank you for your loving care for us, continually. You knew us even before we were born. The needs of this day are no surprise to you. Thank you for Your perfect timing, even when we don’t understand it. Help us to trust You in the middle of our trials, knowing that You are always at work for our good. Give us faith to believe in Your power over every situation, and let our lives be a testimony of Your greatness. You have promised if we seek you and your kingdom first, you would provide for our needs. Thank you in advance. 

In Jesus name. Amen”