DEVOTION:
Scripture: Joel 2:25 – "I will repay you for the years the locusts have eaten."
THOUGHT:
I read something this week that surprised me. In Kazakhstan, wild horses have been born on the open steppe for the first time in about 200 years. Generations had come and gone without seeing these horses running wild, and it would have been easy to believe they were gone forever.
And then, two little foals were born. It reminded me that we are often too quick to decide something is finished—whether a relationship that has grown distant, a dream we stopped pursuing, or a faith that has grown tired. We might look at our church, our community, or our world and wonder if real change is possible.
Scripture is filled with people who thought the story was over right before God did something unexpected. We may not always see what God is doing beneath the surface or as quickly as we would like, but that does not mean He is inactive. If wild horses can run again after two centuries, we shouldn't give up hope. God may still be writing a part of the story you haven't seen yet—perhaps even your own.
PRAYER:
Gracious God, thank You for this new Sunday morning. Before the busyness of the day begins, we pause to give thanks for another day, for the people we love, and for the opportunity to walk with You.
Lord, when we look at our lives and assume nothing will ever change, remind us that You are still at work. We lift up our church family, especially those who are sick, grieving, worried, or lonely. Provide strength where it is needed and hope where it is hard to find.
We give thanks to everyone who worked hard this past week setting up the yard sale, the savory food sale, and the Bean Supper. We also pray for those from our church family currently serving on the mission trip in Guatemala. Keep them safe, bless their work, and let them reflect Your love.
We pray for our nation, our leaders, and world leaders. Grant them wisdom, bring peace to regions affected by war, and teach us to love and pray for our enemies. As we prepare to worship today, open our hearts to Your Word, and help us not simply to hear it, but to live it. In Jesus' name, Amen.
DEVOTION:
Scripture: Joel 2:25 – "I will repay you for the years the locusts have eaten."
THOUGHT:
I read something this week that surprised me. In Kazakhstan, wild horses have been born on the open steppe for the first time in about 200 years. Generations had come and gone without seeing these horses running wild, and it would have been easy to believe they were gone forever.
And then, two little foals were born. It reminded me that we are often too quick to decide something is finished—whether a relationship that has grown distant, a dream we stopped pursuing, or a faith that has grown tired. We might look at our church, our community, or our world and wonder if real change is possible.
Scripture is filled with people who thought the story was over right before God did something unexpected. We may not always see what God is doing beneath the surface or as quickly as we would like, but that does not mean He is inactive. If wild horses can run again after two centuries, we shouldn't give up hope. God may still be writing a part of the story you haven't seen yet—perhaps even your own.
PRAYER:
Gracious God, thank You for this new Sunday morning. Before the busyness of the day begins, we pause to give thanks for another day, for the people we love, and for the opportunity to walk with You.
Lord, when we look at our lives and assume nothing will ever change, remind us that You are still at work. We lift up our church family, especially those who are sick, grieving, worried, or lonely. Provide strength where it is needed and hope where it is hard to find.
We give thanks to everyone who worked hard this past week setting up the yard sale, the savory food sale, and the Bean Supper. We also pray for those from our church family currently serving on the mission trip in Guatemala. Keep them safe, bless their work, and let them reflect Your love.
We pray for our nation, our leaders, and world leaders. Grant them wisdom, bring peace to regions affected by war, and teach us to love and pray for our enemies. As we prepare to worship today, open our hearts to Your Word, and help us not simply to hear it, but to live it. In Jesus' name, Amen.