Today’s Reflection
I’VE PASSED MANY dark nights sitting quietly on the deck of my house with my eyes on the heavens. A variety of feelings drive me to this tranquil place: worry, restlessness, desire for peace. From that comfortable and familiar vantage point, up through the prickly Georgia pines, God’s creation slowly becomes visible. As I sit in anticipation, looking at the inky black, a true spectacle reveals itself, moment by moment. The stars appear to brighten, and before long I can trace my favorite constellation. This once-darkened sky fills to overflowing with sparkling light!
And so it is when I try to live my life fully dependent on God. I may feel as though I am stumbling along in the dark—the job isn’t fulfilling anymore, the kids act as though they are from another planet, someone I love just got a troubling report from the doctor, daily pressures squeeze the joy from life. The next step seems shrouded by fear, uncertainty, doubt, or disobedience. Yet, if I remain still, God sheds the light I need to take the next step. The light may appear dim, but if I am faithful in my waiting, God too is faithful to reveal grace and mercy to brighten the way.
–
Disciplines 2010
From “Joy and Strength in the Word” by Kay Nesmith, page 33 in
The Upper Room Disciplines 2010: A Book of Daily
Devotions. Copyright © 2010 by Upper Room Books. All rights
reserved. Used by permission.” http://bookstore.upperroom.org/ Learn more about or purchase this book.
Today’s Question
What reminds you of God’s grace and mercy? Share your thoughts.
Today’s Scripture
He said, “Abba, Father, for you all things are possible; remove this cup from me; yet, not what I want, but what you want.”
Mark 14:36, NRSV
This Week: Pray for persons who are looking for a church family. Submit your prayer to The Upper Room Living Prayer Center or share it in the comment section.
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This week we remember: Joseph (March 19).
Lectionary Readings
(Courtesy of Vanderbilt Divinity Library)
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13 Comments
I exist in the flow of God’s grace and mercy – as I experience inexplicable (outside the realm of Him) peace. It surpasses understanding. I cannot explain it to a non-Believer, because they wouldn’t be able to grasp what I would be attempting to explain. I am in awe of it. And I can’t imagine trying to get through this without it. And – my heart is rent as I think that mom does not have this. O, Father – soften her heart.
I am so looking forward to church this morning. I need it so.
I am very grateful for a good night’s sleep (finally) last night. Can’t say I feel necessarily refreshed this morning, but I know the amount of sleep I got is a good thing. I feel like in the days ahead – I will just expect to be tired. Unfortunately my PsA is acting up, no doubt due to the stress and lack of appropriate rest.
This evening, my sister and I are gathering at my parents’ house to formulate a list of questions for the oncology staff. Mom is way down in the dumps, again weepy most of the time. I took dinner over last evening – and she ate somewhat good. Not sure how the discussion will go tonight. Walking on egg shells is exhausting, in and of itself. As I am driving over to their house, I am asking God to keep a guard on my mouth, to provide extra patience and to love well. Would appreciate your prayers towards that end.
Prayers for Andrea and time spent with her family. May she, too, rely on Him as conversations take place and the potential for emotionally charged conversation exists.
I find expressing spiritual reality difficult no matter who the audience is. Words do not explain it. I know of it, have experienced it, and know that it truly passes all understanding. Very thankful for it and the help God has provided through it.
Thankful Gloria ate well, prayers for a wise choice of words and speech. Very thankful that church on Palm Sunday is possible. Prayers for strength, courage, and support for Jill, Gloria, Larry, and Becky.
Prayers for Andrea and her family as she meets siblings. May God’s love shine through.
Thankful that Anneliese hopes, expects to go to church today. Lost mail has been found, the heating problem is not so dire as anticipated, she is recovering from Lyme disease as well as feeling better after the ablation.
Prayers for Julie and Marcy, especially their health needs. Thankful for the love they express so well. Prayers for healing, recovery, uplifting, and strength.
Thank You, Lord for all you do and have done for us. We celebrate the arrival of Jesus, our Lord and Savior, in Jerusalem long ago. Crowds greeting and honored Him with palm branches and their cloaks on the ground not fully understanding what was to happen in the coming week.
Blessings to all on this Palm Sunday. The love of the Lord be with you.
God’s grace and mercy go with me each day- especially when I am “stumbling around in the dark” as I do many days. I am so thankful to God for all he has given me- especially the blessings of my children- they are not stress free as parents well know but they are the love in my daily life and a true gift- my son starts a new job this week-prayers for him.
Prayers for all who come to this site looking for peace as only God can give.
Prayers for healing and blessings in this Holy Week- I am traveling this week with my youngest daughter – prayers for safe travels and calm, uneventful time away- I desperately need a few days away from work and my “regular” life – Our family home will officially go on the market tomorrow – many many feelings about that- I am anxious about all of the parts – the selling, and then the next steps of moving – still with two kids at home with me- but one day at a time. The Lord will provide.
He is surely good and faithful and He will never leave or forsake us.
Peace to all-
Lou, prayers for you and your children. Prayers for your son’s success.
Prayers for safe travels for you and your daughter. May you find peace and rest.
Lou, I pray you and your youngest daughter have a wonderful, restful, and safe trip. Blessings.
Lou, keeping you and your famiky in prayers, as well as the sale of your house and moving. Commiting your sin’s first day of work into God’s hands. May God lead and guide him and all of you.
May God’s grace and mercy be upon each one of us!
Blessings!
Sorry. Commiting your son’s first day of work into God’s hands.
Prayers for patience and forebearance for Jill. Remember, your mother has been told she has a life threatening disease. She has been forced to face her possible lack of time with family and friends. She is mourning time she thought she had to spend with those she holds dear. She also facs more physical pain and limitations and she has already endured so much. She is probably also sad and fearful for you and your father and sister. How this will affect alll of you. You go forward with my prayers supporting you and your family.
Robert, so thankful to hear of Annaliese and her healing.
Concert last night with my daughter. Alan Jackson and it was amazing. Not much sleep so please forgive any nonsense words. Thanks for your prayers. Worry that you think my conditions are similar in some way to Marcy’s. I assure you I am doing fairly well.
Prayers for Marcy, I fear you should not have been discharged from hoospital, especially with limited support. I pray for your relief, both physical and financial.
Blessings and prayers for and thanks to all of my UR family
We carry within us the wonders we seekaround us.
Sir Thomas Browne
The rising sun in the morning reminds me of God’s love.
On this Palm Sunday I shout “Hosanna”.
Pray that Lou’s son has a good first day at work. It is the unknown that jars the nerves.
Praying for Jill’s Mother and family, Julie, Marcy, and for Annaliese and Robert and, of course, Erich and Pearl.
“We are one in the Spirit”
Jill, thank you for your prayers. God is holding you, your parents and sister, so very closely and lovingly. I pray that Gloria will come to have hope that a decision to receive treatment will give her quality time with her beloved family. I pray that you, Larry and Becky will be strong and guided in how you encourage your mother. I think it is not uncommon for many people to lose their footing when crisis hits. Hopefully, your mother will move through her initial reaction of hopelessness. Perhaps the oncology practice has someone who can help her so it is not all on family members.
Thank you, UR friends, for your prayers for me and my siblings. The gathering went well yesterday. I reached out peacefully to my siblings in conversation, focussing on them attentively. I believe your prayer support buoyed me, as it has also fueled me at home. I am grateful.
I ask again for prayers for my daughter, who struggles with day to day stresses. I pray to know how best to support her.
Glad to hear Julie had a good outing with her daughter and that things are looking up for Anneliese. Prayers for all.
Wishing all a blessed Palm Sunday.
Andrea, keeping your daughter in prayer.
May God lead and guide her.
Blessings
Thank you, Mary, I appreciate your prayers. Blessings and prayers for you, your parents, and your new job.
Grateful for new tenants
Praise God for answered prayers
Blessings
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