Read Deuteronomy 26:4-11 Key Verse: The Lord heard our voice and saw our affliction, our toil, and our oppression. 8 The Lord brought us out of Egypt with a mighty hand and an outstretched arm, with a terrifying display of power, and with signs and wonders
Most of us can never forget from where we came. The joy and memories of our old places serve to bless our lives. If we came from a hard and difficult place, that serves to remind us that we never want to return to such a place. If we were confined to a bed with illness or if we were incarcerated by an addiction, we truly never want that for our lives ever again. But if God delivered us from such places we should stop and remember and give thanks in celebration for the power of God in such circumstances.
Our churches should have open doors to allow all who want to come in and give thanks for the way God has delievered or transformed their lives. Our open doors also serve to allow us to go out of our churches to reach those who need to hear of God's great power to deliver and make whole.
You and I have that opportunity to share what God has done in and through us. God is not finished with us.
Prayer: Loving God may our hearts always be open to give thanks to You for what You did to deliver us from our past. May our minds be open to new visions of how to more effectively go forth and serve You. We pray for our churches, our church leaders, our pastors, our district superintendents, our bishops, that we may receive at General Conference a new plan and purpose for our life as United Methodists to faithfully serve You. In Christ Jesus we pray, amen.
