Today’s Reflection
But so often, we keep our heads down—enthralled with that which we think will make our heart “thrill and rejoice.” We embrace the mundane and reject the very epiphany “treasure” that God offers because we are too preoccupied with temporary things that we believe will dispel darkness. Instead, we are invited to arise, shine, and look to the infinite Light.
—J. Dana Trent, The Upper Room Disciplines 2021: A Book of Daily Devotions (Upper Room Books, 2020)
Today’s Question
In the midst of darkness, what is God’s invitation to you? Join the conversation.
Today’s Scripture
Arise, shine; for your light has come,
and the glory of the LORD has risen upon you.
—Isaiah 60:1 (NRSV)
Prayer for the Week
New every morning is your love, great God of light, and all day long you are working for good in the world. Stir up in us desire to serve you, to live peacefully with our neighbors and all your creation, and to devote each day to your Son, our Savior Jesus Christ. Amen.*
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Something More
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Lectionary Readings
(Courtesy of Vanderbilt Divinity Library)
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*Used by permission from the Book of Common Worship, © 2018 Westminster John Knox Press. All rights reserved.
3 Comments
God’s invitation is consistent…come. Come, you who are weary. Come, you who are brokenhearted. Come, rest here in My presence. Come to the Rock. The Rock of Refuge.
I have come this morning. On my knees, before Him.
Found out yesterday that another colleague – the best friend of the one battling cancer, has herself received a diagnosis of cancer. This, for whatever reason, has been a big blow to me. Both of these ladies teach in the same program that I do. They, along with two other colleagues, are the “grand dames” of our school – having the longest tenure. They have been at the school a year or two longer than I and the four of them are very close. The one with the newest diagnosis, her name is Jill as well. Many years ago we traveled to Baltimore together for a conference. She had just lost her dad and it was a sweet time together, getting to know her better and sharing that sacred space of sorrow. Jill has been by Chris’s side as much as possible – taking her to all her chemo treatments and to doctor’s appointments. And, patiently waiting in the car, due to all the Covid restrictions. And now, she faces this battle too. It seems too much. And I come to The Father and pour out my heart. And – as I turned to Psalm 54 – I unexpectedly found the verse referencing Him counting my tears.
Thank You, Father, for sending me to that Psalm this morning, You are near.
Very tough news. My prayers for you and Jill, as well as Chris’s family. May your colleague, Jill be well, and may you be her support. Yet, whether we are sick or well, God is with us, trust God and the spirit, the most precious part of us, our essence will be safe in God’s hands.
Jenny is recovering from losing a college classmate. I’m thankful that Suzann had such dear friends through her very tough and nasty battle with breast cancer.
Thankful too that the funds for a new heating system at church are amassing so well. A giver will match $12,000 dollars, half of the $24,000 cost and so far $18,000 has been given. There’s enough for work to begun. The bill needs to be paid by the end of November. Thank You, Lord.
When are You not needed Lord? I, we, need Thee every hour. I, we, come to Thee.
I am feeling that God is here and protecting me during this time of chaos. He is stregthening me for the road ahead and providing people who can help.
Prayers for Jill and her collegues, Chris and Jill who are battling cancer. May they find support through this time and help with practical matters. May God ease all three’s suffering as Jill is destabilized by the news.
Prayers for Robert and his church, may the remainder of the needed funds be provided through God’s provisions.
Prayers for Ally and David, may David’s wound heal and may Ally’s heart and soul heal.
My mom found out that her insurance will not pay for the hospital rehab and now she must go to a nursing home for rehab. I pray she stays safe from coronavirus and her rehab is swift.
Prayers, thank you, be well UR
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