Daily Devotionals
June 16, 2020
Faithfulness as a Response
June 16, 2020
DAILY READING
FIELD NOTES
When I remember that God initiates my very breath, I am so grateful for my life…for the gift of being alive. God’s promises are never broken. I wish I could say the same for mine. I make requests of God in intercessory prayer…I praise the beauty of God’s handiwork … I remember to say; ‘thank you, Lord’. But, I wonder if I have kept my promise to… “ Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.’ The second is this: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no commandment greater than these.” Mark 12:30-31
Are my actions heart felt and do you they come from that kind of love?
I bumped into the music of Jennifer Knapp several years ago. Her album, Kansas, has agonizingly beautiful songs written to draw her close to God. In her song, “Refine Me,” she asks to be brought back into whole relationship with Him. It sounds as though there has been a falling away and a desire to return. In his faithfulness God helps us heal our broken promises. Listen to the song here.
“Refine Me” by Jennifer Knapp
I come into this place
Burning to receive your peace
I come with my own chains
From wars I’ve fought for my own selfish gain
You’re my God and my Father
I’ve accepted your Son
But my soul feels so empty now
What have I become?
Lord, come with your fire
Burn my desires; refine me
Lord, my will has deceived me
Please come and free me
Refine me
My heart can’t see
When I only look at me
My soul can’t hear
When I only think of my own fears
They are gone in a moment
You’re forever the same
Why did I look away from You
How can I speak Your name?
Lord, come with Your fire
Burn my desires; refine me
Lord, my will has deceived me
Please come and free me
Come rescue this child
For I long to be reconciled to you.
It’s all I can do
To give my heart and soul to You
And pray, and pray, oh I will pray
Lord, come with Your fire
Burn my desires; refine me
Lord, my will has deceived me
Please come and free me
Come rescue this child
For I long to be reconciled to You
Refine me, refine me
Refine me, refine me
QUESTIONS FOR THE FIELD
- When has your faithfulness to God wavered?
- How did you begin your journey back to him?
- How were you received?
FAMILY FIELD TALK
- Make a list of as many meanings of the word ‘faithful’ as you can imagine. Then talk about how faithfulness is important in all your relationships.
FRUIT OF THE SPIRIT CHALLENGE
For the duration of our sermon series, we are offering daily prompts for applying the wisdom from the scriptures to our everyday lives. Each week focuses on how we can encourage those around us and bear fruit! This week we are focusing on the fruit of faithfulness.
“I arise today through the mighty strength of the Lord of creation.”
– Prayer of St. Patrick
Reflect on God’s faithfulness today. When has he given you strength when you had none? When has he strengthened your community? Take a moment to thank him for his faithfulness. Who is he inviting you to pray for today?
To learn more about the Fruit of the Spirit challenge, click here.