“So no wonder we don’t give up. For even though our outer person gradually wears out, our inner being is renewed every single day. We view our slight, short-lived troubles in the light of eternity. We see our difficulties as the substance that produces for us an eternal, weighty glory far beyond all comparison, because we don’t focus our attention on what is seen but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but the unseen realm is eternal.”
2 Corinthians 4:16-18 (TPT)
Scripture & Prayer Submitted by: Rev. Maulin Vanderburgh
Theme: “NEW BEGINNINGS”
Reflection:
The year 2020 was one filled with the loss of thousands of lives and other ills brought on by a pandemic. As we push out in the uncharted waters of 2021, we do so with confidence that whatever we face God will be there with us. He has the power to calm the waves.
Prayer:
Our Eternal God and Father, blessed be your holy name. You alone are Most High over all the earth. From everlasting to everlasting you are God and to endless years you will be the same.
We thank you Lord for "New Beginnings". We thank you for this "new" day and "New" Year that you have brought us safely to. We give you glory, honor and praise for your lovingkindness and tender mercies extended to us another time.
Thank you for your steadfast love which assures us that you will never leave us nor forsake us. Thank you for being our immutable God; therefore we have confidence and hope in your word which declares in Isaiah 43:2 When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; And through the rivers, they shall not overflow you. When you walk through the fire, you shall not be burned, Nor shall the flame scorch you. Thank you for you promise in Jeremiah 29:11:
For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the Lord, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope.
Father, we do not know what awaits us in this "new" season, but we are confident that you will be with us every step of the way. Help us to remain “steadfast and unmovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that our labor is not in vain in the Lord.”
I ask Father that you give wisdom, knowledge and understanding to the Doctors and Scientists as they work to find a cure for the Coronavirus. I pray that those who are suffering from this virus and all other types of illnesses be healed in the precious name of your son Jesus Christ. Comfort the broken hearted, those who are grieving, those who are overwhelmed and are without hope.
Lord, I pray for our Religious and Governmental leaders in this "new" season. I pray that you lead and guide them accordingly. Father, I pray for those who have lost their first love and have turned away from you, may this be a season of "New Beginnings" for them and also for those without a relationship with you.
Father, I surrender to your will and to your way. Help us to be closer drawn to you especially in this season. Thank you for sustaining us through the good and not so good times. Help us to contend for the faith and worship you in spirit and truth. Thank you in advance for hearing and answering in the mighty name of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
AMEN