January 1 – Devotional

Scripture Reading: Jeremiah 29:10-14

Key Verses: “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.” – Jeremiah 29:11-13, NIV

This passage is part of a letter sent by the prophet Jeremiah to the exiles in Babylon. God promised that, when the 70 years of exile were over, He would bring the people back to Jerusalem. After many years of exile, the future must have seemed quite bleak to the Hebrew people, but these words were meant to encourage them. God promised that when His people sought him, they would find Him. When they prayed, He would answer. Thousands of years have passed, but God’s promise remains. In our world, our church, and our lives we face difficulties and uncertainties just as the Israelites did in Babylon. Still, God promises a hope-filled future. May we be as faithful in praying as God is in hearing and answering our prayers.

Pray:

• For faithfulness to unite in prayer with our fellow church members each day of this month to discern God’s best future for First Houston United Methodist Church.
• For your heart, mind, and soul to believe God hears our prayers and answers them; for open eyes, ears, and heart to actively listen for God’s leading; and for courage to share with the church what you hear from God.

Listen: With open eyes, ears, and heart, listen for God to speak to you now and throughout the day.

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