Every Day Faith - August 2018
Here’s how we’re praying this month. Along with our monthly prayer focus, visit www.everydayfaith.ca for encouragement in the disciplines of Bible reading, prayer, generosity and sharing our faith in word and deed.
Thank you for your continued participation in Every Day Faith.
August – Spiritual Vitality – Pray
Key Everyday Thought:
But those who trust in the Lord will find new strength (Isaiah 40:31a).
Depending on where you live and your life circumstances, rest and relaxation can be difficult to set aside time for. Yet our minds and bodies were not designed for never-ending use—regular time out to slow down is needed for healthy and productive living. Without an appropriate rhythm for recharging our spirits and renewing our strength, our efficiency and sense of purpose and direction is likely to falter. We regularly need to be reminded that putting God first and spending intentional blocks of time focusing on His presence and His Word will keep us encouraged, help us maintain healthy spirits, and give us the courage we need to face difficult situations. A special time out annually for a vacation, retreat, or a change of environment, whether during the summer or at some other point of the year, can also give us a renewed appreciation for the work to which God has called us. If you are feeling burned out, turn to God and allow Him to restore you—no one who comes to Him will be turned away.
Ask and it will be granted…
– That as Christians we will rely on God and not on ourselves
– That we will continually be drawn to God’s presence and His Word
– That our faith and strength will be renewed by His Spirit
– That doors will open for the weary to find opportunities for rest
– That those who feel weak will turn to God and find the strength they need
PASSAGES TO PONDER
Psalm 127:1-2
“Unless the LORD builds a house,
the work of the builders is wasted.
Unless the LORD protects a city,
guarding it with sentries will do no good.
It is useless for you to work so hard
from early morning until late at night,
anxiously working for food to eat;
for God gives rest to his loved ones.”
Psalm 73:26-28
“My health may fail, and my spirit may grow weak,
but God remains the strength of my heart;
he is mine forever.
Those who desert him will perish,
for you destroy those who abandon you.
But as for me, how good it is to be near God!
I have made the Sovereign LORD my shelter,
and I will tell everyone about the wonderful things you do.”
Hebrews 12:12-13
“So take a new grip with your tired hands and strengthen your weak knees. Mark out a straight path for your feet so that those who are weak and lame will not fall but become strong.”
Philippians 4:13
“For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength.”
Hebrews 4:16
“So let us come boldly to the throne of our gracious God. There we will receive his mercy, and we will find grace to help us when we need it most.”
Next month’s key thought: Be an example to all believers in what you say, in the way you live, in your love, your faith, and your purity (1 Timothy 4:12b).
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