DAILY DEVOTIONAL: Ben
Let's hear today from Lead Pastor, Ben Prangnell!
UNITED PRAYER:
Take some time to look at one of David’s prayers in the Psalms. You can so clearly tell that this is a prayer in the midst of chaos. David crafts and pleads prayers like these all throughout the Book of Psalms. Take some time to read it over line by line and piece by piece. Meditate on what David is saying, feeling, and proclaiming to God in Psalm 3. You can do this individually or as a family.
Psalm 3
Lord, how many are my foes!
How many rise up against me!
2 Many are saying of me,
“God will not deliver him.”
3 But you, Lord, are a shield around me,
my glory, the One who lifts my head high.
4 I call out to the Lord,
and he answers me from his holy mountain.
5 I lie down and sleep;
I wake again, because the Lord sustains me.
6 I will not fear though tens of thousands
assail me on every side.
7 Arise, Lord!
Deliver me, my God!
Strike all my enemies on the jaw;
break the teeth of the wicked.
8 From the Lord comes deliverance.
May your blessing be on your people.
Take some time to process what David is praying and then pray yourself line by line, verse by verse or section by section. Try to pray or write your own prayer, as you go. It can be short or long, whatever is best for you. Remember this prayer is personal. This is for you and for you community around you. Spend this time at the feet of the Father. For more clarity we've written a prayer below to guide you.
Example Prayer:
God, everything feels like it's collapsing with a single gust of wind. Those I trusted in and confided in turned their back on me. They betrayed, they denied, they forgot, they lied, they cheated, they stole, and they purged me of their kindness. They did not love like you, though they pretended they would. I know You Lord and I know Your greatness, Your power and Your Presence. I know that I by no means whatsoever am perfect. I am far from it on my own. I know that I am in need. I need grace upon grace. But I am broken at the thought of my brother as an enemy. I do not wish to be against them.
So, I am calling out to You now. Knowing that in You, any and all things can happen. Knowing the grace and mercy you have for me and every man. Knowing that Your strength is what holds me up. Knowing that Your love extends to me, for you sent Your only Son to die for my sins. In Christ and Christ alone, the living God, I can find life in abundance. Whoever my enemies say I am, I count as lies. Stand by my side and lift me up just as You did David! Show me Your light, give me Your energy, and provide me with Your peace. Thank You for being my wall, my shelter, and my protector. All I have and all I need. Amen.
FAMILY RESOURCES:
Easy, No-Bake, Chocolate Oatmeal Cookies
Ingredients
2 c sugar
1/2 c butter (1 stick - salted)
1/2 c milk
4 Tbsp cocoa
2 tsp vanilla extract
3 c oatmeal (use quick oats, not old fashioned or steel cut oats)
Instructions
Combine the sugar, butter, and milk in a saucepan. Bring it to a boil over medium high to high heat (enough to bring the syrup to a rapid boil). Stir frequently to prevent burning or boiling over!
Once the syrup is at a full rolling boil, stir and cook for 1 minute then remove from heat.
Add the vanilla and cocoa, stir until the syrup is smooth. Add the quick oats and stir until evenly coated with the syrup.
Drop tablespoon-sized portions onto waxed paper, use the back of a spoon to make a cookie shape (rather than a no-bake cookie mound) if desired. Allow to set up for one hour, can freeze for later.
STORY OF HOPE: MICHELLE'S STORY | The hands & feet of Jesus
Michelle Amster shares with us how the generosity of so many of you is making a difference in the Maui community.