Page 20 - Living Light 89

PRAYER FOR TODAY
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Wed June 18 - Let’s talk about God’s grace...
So the man went away and began to tell in the Decapolis how much Jesus had done for him. And all the people were amazed. Mark 5:20
It was a heartbreaking scene: the ‘man in the tombs’ was terrified of staying behind. He probably feared being scorned for his dark past, and part-blamed for the loss of the pigs. He begged to stay close to Jesus.
But Jesus did something beautiful... he entrusted this fragile soul with a precious mission, and gave him back to his long-lost family! Jesus delivered him from evil, and equipped him for service... as a living witness to Christ, in a Gentile region! This once broken man obediently went. He told of God’s mercy and grace towards sick, suffering, and sinful people. And people were amazed!
Your own personal testimony of God’s mercy is possibly much less spectacular than this man’s! But the Holy Spirit does miraculous things through personal testimonies, as we tell others how much Jesus has done for us!
In what way has Jesus freed you to serve him today? We feel our weakness, but Jesus draws close to the weak... to those with broken hearts and empty hands. We need to serve, depending on his great power, love and grace. He promises to equip and sustain us, guide and guard us... and through the Holy Spirit, he accompanies us! God promises, “Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you” (Hebrews 13:5).
Heavenly Father, thank you for rescuing me! Please help me tell my family and friends how much you have done for me through the Lord Jesus. May they too be amazed... and saved! For your glory. Amen.
Thursday June 19 - Bring your children to Jesus “My little daughter is dying. Please come and put your hands on her so
that she will be healed and live.” Mark 5:23
If you’re a parent or carer you’ll know the deep anguish that is felt when a child becomes seriously ill: the sickening fear, the feeling of helplessness. Nothing then matters more than the life of this precious child, for whose welfare you’d give anything... anything. “Please Lord, keep them safe...”
Jairus felt this. When word came that Jesus was back onshore, Jairus didn’t hesitate, and despite being a high-status synagogue ruler he willingly flung himself in the dirt at Jesus’ feet, pleading for his daughter’s life. Status and dignity meant nothing to him now. Jesus responded in a heartbeat, left the crowd, and went with him.
From babyhood to grey hair, our children’s welfare is always on our hearts. God knows our anguish – for he gave his precious Son, so our children could have eternal life! Our children belong first to their Heavenly Father, who knows and loves them more deeply than we ever can – and whose hands are infinitely more powerful.
God places children in the earthly care of families and communities, but the most wonderful thing we can ever do is to bring them to Jesus. Education and financial support are good, but nothing is more important than their knowing Christ... nothing is more worthy of our efforts and our prayers. So, let’s bring our children, and our anguish to Jesus’ feet now...
Father, thank you for children; I name them now... Help me to point them to Jesus. Please heal and grant them saving faith in him. Amen.
PRAYER FOR TODAY