Written by: John Sernaque
Call to Worship
Jeremiah 29:11
29:11 For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end.
Patriarchs and Prophets
God permits trials to assail His people, that by their constancy and obedience they themselves may be spiritually enriched, and that their example may be a source of strength to others. The very trials that task our faith most severely and make it seem that God has forsaken us, are to lead us closer to Christ, that we may lay all our burdens at His feet and experience the peace which He will give us in exchange. {PP 129.2}
God is the alpha and the omega, the first and the last. He knows the outcome of all things. He knows the beginning from the end. The trials that we go through are for our spiritual enrichment and it is by faith that we get through these trials, making us ensamples unto others and a source of strength to them. They are to lead us to Christ, where we can experience true peace and joy. We have a promise from God, that he will never leave us nor forsake us. So, let us hold steadfast to this promise, let us not dwell on our troubles, keep our eyes on Jesus and look ahead to God’s heavenly kingdom.
Dear Father, God Almighty,
We come to the foot of Your throne and thank You once again for giving us this privilege, honor, and opportunity to come closer to You. You have blessed us with another Sabbath Day where we have a chance to claim Your promises, enter Your rest, and experience true peace and joy. It is by Your strength and power that we have made it through this week, and for it we have been spiritually enriched. Your thoughts towards us are of peace, so we lay all our burdens at Your feet, that You may give us Your rest and Your peace. We pray for a double portion of Your Holy Spirit as we study Your word that brings forth the message You have for us this day. Please bless everyone that hears Your word, that we may all receive Your character. Forgive us of our sins, wash us clean in the blood of Christ. We thank You for hearing and answering our prayers, and it’s in the name of Jesus Christ we pray, Amen
