Caribbean Moravian Devotions

Thursday, April 2

O God, from my youth you have taught me, and I still proclaim your wondrous deeds. Psalm 71:17

The ageing process can be compared to the climb up a very steep hill. One looks back occasionally to see where he has come from as he fearfully tries to ascend the steep slopes. He may slip, slide and sometimes fall, but with God's help and much perseverance he finally reaches the top.

Fortunately, those heights reached enable him to view and give thanks and praise for the beautiful scenery he could not have seen before.

Childhood can be a most happy stage in life, if from very early a child is taught to love and trust the invisible God, and by good example he learns to pray to Him at all times, and especially when he needs help. The hymn-writer draws our attention to this 'delicate' period in one's life:

"When in the slippery paths of youth
With headless steps I ran.
Thy arm, unseen, conveyed me safe
And led me up to man."
                                          (CMP #. 23)

As one approaches old age, that foundation laid in childhood can help to strengthen one’s faith and trust in God when confronted with the challenges of failing health, dwindling resources, loneliness, conflict and rejection.

In Psalm 23, King David shares his thoughts on the shadowy future. "The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want .... yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me."

The foundation of child-like trust is best laid in the youthful days so that throughout life it can act as an anchor in times of trouble.

"Will your anchor hold in the storms of life
When the clouds unfold their wings of strife?
When the strong tides lift, and the cables strain
Will your anchor drift or firm remain?"

                                               (Sacred Songs # 879)

Prayer:

Dear Jesus, You experienced much pain and suffering, but with the help of your Father, God, you were able to bear it unto death.  Give us strength and courage to love and praise you as we face life's trials and tribulations.  Strengthen us during this season as we reflect on you, so that we may be armed to face life always.   Amen.

 

 

Wednesday, April 1

I will delight in my people; no more shall the sound of weeping be heard in [Jerusalem], or the cry of distress. Isaiah 65:19

This comforting thought comes as part of the "new thing" that God was promising to do among his people. Even though they had transgressed and strayed repeatedly, he would forgive and restore them. There would be rejoicing rather than weeping or distress as a result of this "new thing" that God would do.

Our Provincial Theme this year is "Advance the Kingdom: SHIFT." To follow that theme is to give God authority to do "something new" among us. For this to become a reality, the following are among the things necessary on our part:

1. We need to trust him; it will not always be obvious to us how he is working.
2. We need to be available to him; so that he can readily access us.
3. We need to be pliable in his hands; he will have to remold us from time to time.
4. We need to be attentive; otherwise we might miss his directives.
5. We need to remain focused; less we become distracted from the goal.
6. We need to be alert; ready to move and respond at anytime.
7. We need to be thankful; that God is using us to fulfill his purpose.

Let us therefore get ready for the SHIFT that we are asking God to make in us. He wants us to be involved. But remember, whilst "he has no hands but our hands," he can use even the rocks. Let us not miss out on the blessing God has in store for us.

Lord, in this season of reflection, help us to give sincere thought to what you desire to do in us. Then help us to submit to you, so that you can effect your purpose. Amen.