Morning Prayer for Wednesday, January 8, 2025

 

Praying the Scriptures

Wednesday Morning Prayer

January 8, 2025

The apostles said to the Lord, “Increase our faith!” The Lord replied, “If you had faith the size of a mustard seed, you could say to this mulberry tree, ‘Be uprooted and planted in the sea,’ and it would obey you.” (Luke 17:5–6)

Gracious and Mighty God,

As the January sun rises over the desert hills, painting the sky in hues of orange and pink, I feel the crispness of the morning air and the stillness of Your presence. I stand in awe of Your creation, knowing that even in this stark beauty, You remind me of the vastness of Your power and the intimacy of Your love.

Lord, as the apostles once cried out, I, too, pray, "Increase my faith!" In this quiet moment, I bring to You the mustard seed of trust I have, so small and fragile, yet filled with potential because of Your grace. Help me to believe that with even this tiny seed, mountains can move, and sycamores can be uprooted and planted in the sea at Your word.

Teach me, O Lord, to trust not in the strength of my own hands but in the might of Your Spirit. As I breathe in the fresh desert air, I ask You to breathe life into my doubts and transform them into confidence. Let the faith You give me guide my steps today, whether I face moments of joy or challenge.

May I look at the vast sky above me and remember that nothing is impossible with You. Strengthen me to love as You love, to serve as You serve, and to walk humbly with my mustard seed of faith, knowing that You are the One who makes all things grow.

In Jesus’ name, I pray.

Amen.

May this prayer bring you strength and encouragement as you go about your day!

---

The Bible passages come from the New Revised Standard Version (NRSV) Bible, copyrighted © 1989, 1993 by the Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America and are used by permission. All rights reserved. Praying the Scriptures is penned daily by Kenny Sallee, ThM.

Verse of the Day for Wednesday, January 8, 2025

 

Verse of the Day

Wednesday, January 8, 2025

Amos 5:14-15

Seek good and not evil, that you may live; and so the LORD, the God of hosts, will be with you, just as you have said. Hate evil and love good, and establish justice in the gate; it may be that the LORD, the God of hosts, will be gracious to the remnant of Joseph.

Introduction

The prophet Amos, a shepherd and dresser of sycamore trees, was called by God to deliver a message of judgment to Israel during a time of great prosperity and corruption. In Amos 5, the prophet calls the people to repentance, emphasizing justice, righteousness, and seeking the Lord. Verses 14-15 offer a profound call to moral reformation and a promise of God's presence for those who genuinely pursue goodness. These verses challenge us to align our lives with God's standards of justice and righteousness.

Commentary

Amos 5:14-15 captures the essence of prophetic ethics. The phrases “seek good and not evil” and “hate evil and love good” reflect a moral dichotomy that demands decisive action. The mention of “justice in the gate” refers to the place where legal and civic decisions were made in ancient Israel. Corruption in the gate symbolized systemic injustice. Amos implores Israel to reverse its moral decline, calling for genuine repentance, not mere religious rituals.

The conditional clause, "it may be that the Lord...will be gracious," underscores the uncertain yet hopeful nature of divine mercy. God's grace is not automatic; it requires human responsiveness to His call for justice and righteousness.

Understanding Context

Amos spoke during a time when Israel enjoyed economic prosperity but suffered from moral and spiritual decay. Wealthy elites exploited the poor, and legal systems were manipulated for personal gain. Religious observances were hollow, lacking the ethical integrity that God demands. Amos' message reveals that true worship of God cannot be separated from how we treat others, especially the vulnerable.

The call to establish justice “in the gate” challenges the prevailing norms of Amos' society, where the powerful often oppressed the powerless. God's graciousness is tied to the people's willingness to transform their actions and systems according to His righteousness.

Application for Today

The call to “seek good and not evil” resonates in a world rife with inequality, corruption, and moral ambiguity. As followers of Christ, we are tasked with loving good, hating evil, and actively pursuing justice in our communities. This involves:

• Personal Integrity: Choosing honesty and righteousness in daily decisions.

• Social Responsibility: Advocating for systemic change to protect the marginalized.

• Faithful Presence: Living in a way that reflects God’s character, inviting His presence into our lives and society.

In a world where justice often seems elusive, Amos reminds us that God values our efforts to align with His will, even when the outcomes are uncertain.

Reflection

• What does it mean for me to "seek good" in my daily life?

• Are there areas where I tolerate or turn a blind eye to injustice? How can I change that?

• How does my faith shape my understanding of justice and righteousness?

Spend time praying and asking God for the courage to stand for what is right, even when it is difficult. Reflect on how you can “establish justice in the gate,” both in your personal relationships and within the broader community. May we seek the Lord with all our hearts, trusting in His graciousness as we strive to live according to His will.

---

The Bible texts are from the New Revised Standard Version (NRSV) Bible, copyright © 1989, 1993 the Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved. Verse of the Day is a daily inspirational and encouraging Bible verse extracted from BibleGateway.com. Commentary by Kenny Sallee, ThM.

Daily Devotions for Wednesday, January 8, 2025: When Things Fall Apart

 

The Daily Devotional

Wednesday, January 8, 2025

When Things Fall Apart

Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and do not rely on your own insight. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths. (Proverbs 3:5-6)

Introduction

Life is full of inconveniences, many of which catch us off guard. A coffee pot breaking down in the early hours can throw off an entire morning routine. Such moments remind us of how much we depend on things to work as expected. Today's verse challenges us to examine our reliance—not on things, but on God.

Reflection

Picture this: You wake up, craving the warmth of a morning brew. You press the button on your trusted coffee maker, but instead of the familiar hum, there's silence. Frustration sets in. Suddenly, a mundane tool’s failure creates chaos. Isn’t it remarkable how reliant we become on things working as planned?

In the same way, our spiritual lives can falter when we depend on our understanding rather than God’s guidance. Life’s “broken coffee pot” moments—unexpected trials—challenge us to trust Him even when plans go awry.

A pastor once shared a sermon illustration of a time his car broke down on the way to an important meeting. Stranded and stressed, he prayed, asking God for help. To his surprise, a stranger stopped to assist. The man turned out to be someone who needed encouragement and prayer himself. The breakdown became a divine appointment for both.

Like that pastor, we may not understand why things go wrong, but God sees a bigger picture. When life’s appliances—literal or metaphorical—fail, they create opportunities to rely on God and discover His unexpected provision.

Application

1. Pause and Pray: When frustrations arise, take a moment to breathe and seek God’s guidance instead of reacting in frustration.

2. Trust in His Plan: Remember that disruptions are often opportunities for God to work in and through you.

3. Extend Grace: Use these moments to practice patience and kindness, reflecting Christ’s love in your response.

This week, as you go about your routine, reflect on how you respond to small inconveniences. Can you see God’s hand even in the disruptions?

Conclusion

A broken coffee pot may seem trivial, but it’s a powerful metaphor for life. Things break, plans change, and we often feel out of control. Yet, when we trust God with all our hearts, He transforms our frustrations into blessings, showing us paths we might never have chosen on our own.

Prayer

Gracious Lord, thank You for being our constant in a world full of uncertainties. When life doesn’t go as planned, help us to trust in You rather than our understanding. Teach us to see Your hand in every circumstance, even in the small frustrations of daily life. May we glorify You in our response and grow closer to You in our reliance. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.

---

Devotional by: Kenny Sallee, ThM — Deming, NM, USA

The Bible texts are from the New Revised Standard Version Bible (NRSV)© 1989, 1993, the Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved.