29th July - 4th August 2024
In this world, we are constantly bombarded with information and, with every technological advancement, we are increasingly saturated with this world. Are we conscious of how we are spending our time? As we strive to fix our eyes upon Jesus and live our whole lives in the richness of all that God has for us, may we be content with all we have. We have to trust that He has planned great things for us, that we have all that we need, that He is renewing us and strengthening us to live boldly each day.
Sometimes, it’s hard not to be swept up in the motions of life. We are halfway through the summer season which is, in some ways, less busy but, in other ways, busier. May we take this time to prepare — to spend time with God, reset our priorities, and prepare well for the busy September ahead. May we be intentional with our time and focus on God — who He is, all He has done, and give Him all the glory.
Guest Contributor - Jodie Garnham
MONDAY
But godliness with contentment is great gain, for we brought nothing into the world, and we cannot take anything out of the world. But if we have food and clothing, with these we will be content. But those who desire to be rich fall into temptation, into a snare, into many senseless and harmful desires that plunge people into ruin and destruction.
Heavenly Father, as I look at the world around me, may I be content with all the blessings you have provided for me. Help me be content with your provision, thankful, and trusting that you are working all things for my good. May I not be distracted by this world and all its temptations, but keep my eyes fixed upon you. Amen.
TUESDAY
But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me. For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong.
Heavenly Father, thank you for making me just as you need me to be. May I see my strengths and weaknesses as opportunities to display the fullness of your glory. Remind me this week that I can look to you in times of weakness, distress or hardship; you are all I need. May I hold fast to this truth and bring it to my mind as needed. Amen.
WEDNESDAY
And now, Lord, look upon their threats and grant to your servants to continue to speak your word with all boldness, while you stretch out your hand to heal, and signs and wonders are performed through the name of your holy servant Jesus.” And when they had prayed, the place in which they were gathered together was shaken, and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and continued to speak the word of God with boldness.
Heavenly Father, I apologise for all the times I did not live and speak of your word with boldness. Teach me, Lord, to be brave, to stand firm, to speak boldly of your truth. I want to live a Spirit-filled life with gratitude for all you have done and continue to do in my life. Amen.
THURSDAY
Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content. I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need. I can do all things through him who strengthens me.
Heavenly Father, it is funny to think of Paul having a secret to facing plenty and abundance. Lord, teach me to live in his example of pure contentment, to know how to lean on you and rejoice in you. May I share in the secret that Paul lives by and strengthen me today to do all that you want me to. Amen.
FRIDAY
Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me. Cast me not away from your presence, and take not your Holy Spirit from me. Restore to me the joy of your salvation, and uphold me with a willing spirit.
Heavenly Father, please renew and restore me to who you want me to be. I’m sorry for all my sins against you, Lord. I thank you for your endless grace and mercy. Teach me to cling to your truth and always stand firm in your promises. Amen.
SATURDAY
Blessed are you, O LORD; teach me your statutes! With my lips I declare all the rules of your mouth. In the way of your testimonies I delight as much as in all riches. I will meditate on your precepts and fix my eyes on your ways. I will delight in your statutes; I will not forget your word.
Heavenly Father, I know of the importance of your word; write it on my heart. I pray that these verses are the genuine desire of my heart. Teach me your ways; may I delight in your truth and memorise it so well that it dwells richly within me. Please supply me with all the promises I need to thrive daily and care deeply for others from your riches. Amen.
SUNDAY
Now concerning brotherly love you have no need for anyone to write to you, for you yourselves have been taught by God to love one another, for that indeed is what you are doing to all the brothers throughout Macedonia. But we urge you, brothers, to do this more and more, and to aspire to live quietly, and to mind your own affairs, and to work with your hands, as we instructed you, so that you may walk properly before outsiders and be dependent on no one.
Heavenly Father, teach me again to love others well and to continually show your love positively to those you have placed around me. Thank you, Lord, for creating everyone with a unique purpose to love you and others wholeheartedly. May I shine brightly, reflecting your infinite glory. Thank you for allowing me to share in your work and be blessed. Amen.