Second Week of Lent ~ Saturday

​See how there’s never condemnation, there’s only ever a kind hearted, loving rescue.

It’s never out of a punishment that we are reminded that we are sinners who need a saviour, but always out of a gentle, loving redemption,

- Read Isaiah 40

I like this chapter best in the Message translation, but of course, you can read any that you like best!

- Devotional Thought

​Speaking softly and tenderly but with clarity means there’s things to smooth out and make clear and there’s things to gently embrace. We are so aware in this world that we fall short, that we we don't match up or add up to the others. And there’s a ‘never enough’ tag attached to almost everything we do... But in the kingdom we know that our falling short, our mistakes and failures will never make the Lords heart hard towards us.

He could’ve left Easter as a story and salvation for those who were there and those who saw it, but no, He chose to come and leave his spirit in His people, who despite their best efforts still mess up but despite their mess ups, are still loved beyond a shadow of a doubt.

But there’s still work to be done. The clearing up and smoothing the way is our ongoing, daily work at removing what is hindering from accessing more room for Jesus in our lives. It’s a constant effort to refresh ourselves to be pure hearted with good intent before God, but it’s a beautiful work.

And it’s not in our own strength that we show up each new dating, ready to overcome, it’s by his strength.

- Passage to focus on 

​“Why would you ever complain, O Jacob, or, whine, Israel, saying, “God has lost track of me. He doesn’t care what happens to me”?

Don’t you know anything? Haven’t you been listening? God doesn’t come and go. God lasts. He’s Creator of all you can see or imagine. He doesn’t get tired out, doesn’t pause to catch his breath. And he knows everything, inside and out. He energizes those who get tired, gives fresh strength to dropouts.

For even young people tire and drop out, young folk in their prime stumble and fall. But those who wait upon God get fresh strength. They spread their wings and soar like eagles, They run and don’t get tired, they walk and don’t lag behind.”

‭‭Isaiah‬ ‭40‬:‭27‬-‭31‬ ‭MSG‬‬

​Isn’t it Good News that were not expected to be perfect and have it all together, but that each day, even when we are weary and tired, we can reach up to him who is our strength, and lean on him to not be weary and to not grow tired in doing the good He has put on our hearts to do.

- Image for today 

Today's image is of a setting sun. When you look out to nature and creation, you don't see them striving for success. The are patient and obedient with what they were made to do and what they were created to do. We can learn so much from the world around us!

- Prayer 

​Lord, thank you that it’s not all up to us. That we are not the ones who need to have it all together but we just need to have our hearts surrendered to your will and our lives leaning on you. And that is how we overcome. Help us to reach to you each day in our weakness, knowing that you will give us the very strength we need.

We love you and each day we know that we need you.

- Active idea

What do you need to release of to grow closer to God?

Is it a label or a habit, a thought or an action. Whatever is holding you back in pride and stopping you truly relying on His strength, write it out in a prayer and release it to Him.

Thank you for joining me today! Hope to see you again soon!

Have a blessed Lent

~ X ~