Daily Devotional

Currently, we see an immense number of refugees from various countries around the world seeking a new home. They are fleeing from war, hunger, threats from terrorist groups, or extreme situations under dictatorial governments.

Fortunately, the pain of not having a place to stay is healed by the warmth and hope found in countries that offer refuge. So it is with our God as well. He is our refuge and strength! Amid our wars and internal crises, He provides strong shelter and comfort.

This verse tells us that we can escape unharmed from disasters and violence if God is our dwelling place. Even when we encounter hardships in life, we remain completely convinced that our greatest shelter and security lie in the promise of eternity. There, there will be no more disasters, afflictions, death, or pain.

Find refuge in the Lord Jesus Christ

• Entrust your life to the Lord, and He will be your refuge now and forever.
• Pray to God, casting your worries, fears, and anguish upon Him.
• Welcome and reach out to the needy and afflicted (foreigners, orphans, etc.).

Let’s Pray:

1 Ship your grain across the sea;
after many days you may receive a return.

~

⁶ Sow your seed in the morning,
and at evening let your hands not be idle,
for you do not know which will succeed,
whether this or that,
or whether both will do equally well.

Ecclesiastes 11:1 & 6

There's an old saying: "You reap what you sow"... The truth is that sowing seeds is not an easy process. You need good seeds, prepared soil, enough water, a willingness to work, and confidence that the harvest will come in abundance.

Perhaps you, like most people, don't experience the day-to-day workings of the fields up close. Even so, we can imagine that for an ordinary farmer, burying part of his livelihood in the hope that it will multiply later is a big step of faith! The farmer makes sure that all the effort he puts into preparing, planting and watering the crop can increase his earnings and bring benefits to others too. But remember that, despite all his efforts, it is God who brings life and growth.

This is also the case in our lives: we have many goals and objectives, but to achieve them we need to sow them through God. We prepare the ground and sow the seeds by faith, confident that our goals will come true. But this will only happen if they are in accordance with the Lord's will. Our trust must be in God, who makes all things possible.

Live by faith!

• Dream, plan, strive, but surrender everything by faith to the One who gives life and growth.
• Read Ecclesiastes 11. Casting bread upon the waters may refer to the practice of casting seeds over flooded areas or marketing seeds by boat. The fact is, we need to invest (time, work, resources, faith!) in our projects. Dedicate yourself and sow by faith, trusting in the Lord who always sustains you.
• Don't sit back and wait for achievements to come from heaven. God will give you the strength, wisdom and courage to work diligently, as if for the Lord. Sow for God's glory.
• Don't trust that your own effort and talent will bring you benefits. Without God we can do nothing.
• Have a thankful heart. Be grateful for the daily provision that God gives to those who believe in His Word.
• Today's verses also apply to the Gospel. Share the living Bread that came down from heaven. Many hungry people around you need to receive it. Work without discouragement, there will be good results in time, by faith!

Pray:

Lord God, you are the sustainer of my life! I know that everything comes from you. Thank you that I can trust you to provide much more than we ask for, or think we need. Help me to sow with faith in the Lord, who gives a bountiful harvest in His own time. May Your provision be upon the lives of all who trust in You. In Jesus' name, amen.