|
Listen to this devotional: |
Listen while you read: "Take Up Thy Cross"1 (Lyrics) |
Hebrews 3:12-14 – Take care, brothers, lest there be in any of you an evil, unbelieving heart, leading you to fall away from the living God. But exhort one another every day, as long as it is called "today," that none of you may be hardened by the deceitfulness of sin. For we have come to share in Christ, if indeed we hold our original confidence firm to the end. (ESV)
I have an aging car with an old battery nearing its expiry date. Via a connector in the boot, I have attached a trickle-charge solar panel in the tailgate window to keep the battery charged up as high as it will allow. This way, the car starts when we do the run each school day.
In the morning, I have little spiritual input accumulated to start the day. Like Number Five, the robot in the film Short Circuit, I need input. Although a quick Lord's Prayer at my bedside is not the most receptive way to interact with God, it is better than not praying at all.
I belong to two early-morning Wednesday intercessory prayer groups online. They are a spiritual kingdom lifeline to me because they force me to put time aside, like now when I write, to put God first for once, and not rush off into the day. It provides a space where I can listen, share, commune, intercede, and in the process, look outwards and become thankful.
The earlier session is with the church faithful, and the latter is with people from the school and town where we live. I have to make the effort and hide in the solitude of the office as the rest of the family also start their day. Sometimes, it is too much to ask. As a result, I arrive before God, dressed and ready to go, clean on the outside but in a state of flux on the inside. I know that I really need this time with God despite what circumstances may insist.
As I sit still, I listen to others pray and focus in on God, and I invoke their prayers. In the process of listening, I become aware of His stillness and tune into praise, devotion, and the needs of the world. I lift my voice and pray with them.
By the time I arrive at the second prayer group, I am in a much better place to share, praise, pray, intercede, encourage, and in turn, be blessed. I guess it is a bit like the car battery: I have been charged up, energized, to be in a healthier state, filled up to give out.
Talking with God is always good, wherever, however we find ourselves, and we need that life-giving connection to be refilled with His peace and stillness.
Prayer: Lord, what can we do to justify our fallen humanity? We call upon Your mercy and know that You hear. You have set captivity captive so that we can be completely free from any inner turmoil, angst, or spiritual oppression. In Jesus' name, Your resurrection gift to us is Your Holy Spirit, who empowers us to be able to worship and praise our God, and to be set free from the influence of the world. So today, once more, we ask for You to come and soften our hearts to be free from anxiety and doubt as we seek to follow You. Thanks, Lord, for Your grace. Amen.
Forward this devotional Share this devotional on Facebook Like PresbyCan on Facebook
Although PresbyCan doesn't have a mobile app, you can still have a PresbyCan icon on your mobile phone home screen. 
Sunday, June 4, 2023 – In Haiti — In Haiti's Artibonite region, Pray for children (and adults) suffering from acute malnutrition, as well as tuberculosis and edema. Treatment consists of a regimen of antibiotics and therapeutic milk, administered over the course of a few weeks in a hospital, until they are deemed healthy enough to begin outpatient care. Pray for workers to be able to reach some of them in time to save them healthwise and to share the gospel with them.
Prayers for Protection: "June 3, 2023. Reports on evening news yesterday declared wild fires were burning in Nova Scotia!..." 
Son and family: "May 30, 2023. I ask for prayers that God will help my son and family. They are fighting in front of..." 
Thanks, Rod…once more.
Good advice, Rod. Be safe.
Thanks Rod. Good words today!
Thanks Rod, a good devotion to start my day.
A beautiful prayer. Thank you,
(Canada)
Thanks, Rod, for sharing this encouraging devotional with us. Blessings.
Thanks for your faithfulness and sharing your understanding today, Rod.
Good Evening Rod: This is a good reminder to start one’s day with God, who will see us through. Thank you for all the devotionals you share.
Blessings to you.
So true. I remember sitting beside a lady in church one morning who looked great on the outside but was fairly bursting with stress. I had to struggle not to lose my own peace! She got nothing from the service of course. Breath God in. Breath anxiety out. Thanks for writing.
Interesting concept for your trickle charger.
Thanks for the encouragement of the devotional this morning. I am a senior, who I’m sure as many others, had thought this season would be quiet and slow.
Considering we are in a global virus shutdown, the restrictions it commands, the days are fast and busy. How can this be? As your devotional said, we have to make time, when one would think that’s all I have is time, not true. The enemy, Satan, is a thief in every form of the word. As you stated, time with God, His Word, His children, the day starts soo much better. Have a good day!
When I miss my morning time (usually due to an early business call about something urgent) I feel “off” all day.
Your online groups sound wonderful.
Dear Rod, I always look forward to reading your contribution, some hit me deeper than others, like today’s. I will soon be 98 years old and have given up driving, but my children provide transportation. They also visit regularly and look after me to the point of spoiling me, and I must say I love it, and they add “It’s a labour of love, Dad”. I am truly blessed.
I hope the Covid epidemic hasn’t impacted you too much. We are living, on an island, are largely spared, thank you God.
Cheers and Blessings.
Dear Rod,
I admire your honesty in your devotionals. I think your ingenious idea to keep your car boosted up is great. It is a wonderful connection between boosting the car battery and boosting your connection with God. It is admirable that you understand the importance of those prayer groups to start your day filled with the peace and comfort and wisdom of God. Thank you for sharing from your heart.