Wednesday, March 5, 2014

40 Day Devotionals 2014 Day 1

Hey!

Manu here! Preparing for a new season of Lent!

It is Lent 2014! As I sat down to start writing these devotionals this year I realized something; next year, I am going to be a father. Well technically we are expecting so I am already a dad. However in about 4 months Kelli and I will be holding our very own son or daughter. I am both excited and terrified. I am using this season of Lent to reflect on my connection with my heavenly Father to make me a great earthly father. Also, I pray I hear the heart of God for my family in this time.

So as I write these devos I will also include some of my thoughts on these pages.

Some of you will recognize these devos from 3 years ago. I have added and taken away some elements.




Day 1

Scripture

Jeremiah 32:17

      -  17 “Ah, Sovereign LORD, you have made the heavens and the earth by your great power and outstretched arm. Nothing is too hard for you.

Wisdom

     - If you continue reading in the passage you see that Jeremiah recognizes that His amazing Father cares for His children. He also provides for them according to their deeds. I have never considered that God gives us based on our actions. I’m fairly certain however knowing the character of Jeremiah that he is referring to God taking care of those who serve Him.
     - Consider what that this truth provides for believers. First, if God created everything and has complete power over all, then nothing can happen apart from His direction and permission. Second, we know from the Bible that He is intimately involved in our personal lives and cares about the details of each day. Third, Romans 8:28 guarantees that He makes something beautiful for His children in every circumstance—even in situations that seem painful and wrong. If our loving Father protects us in this way, we can experience peace in the present and confidence about the future.
     - As we begin a season of Lent, it is fantastic to know that God loves us, takes care of, and is ready to provide for us, through the good times and the bad.

Apply

     - Do you believe the Lord has complete power over everything in your life?
     - Does God’s direction impact your life?
     - In painful times, how do you view God?
     - In joyful times, how do you view God?
     - How has the Lord provided for you; Emotionally, Materially, Spiritually?

Pray

     - Take a moment and pray about those questions and for God to have complete control over your thoughts, heart, and desires.



1 comment:

Anonymous said...

It's always crazy to me to think how God allows such horrible things to happen...for our good. I absolutely trust Him and I know that He will only allow that which will bring us closer to Him in the end OR strengthen the faith of others. It doesn't make those hard times any easier to experience, but it certainly brings to mind what Christ did for me on the cross. His suffering was for my sake...not His own.