sleepy head
"Samuel was sleeping in the temple of the Lord where the ark of God was." —1 Samuel 3:3
Will you sleep through 2009 or will you wake up and answer God's call? Many people, even religious people, will tell you to "go back to sleep" (1 Sm 3:5, 6). Instead, you should turn to God and say: "Speak, Lord, for Your servant is listening" (1 Sm 3:9).
2009 can be the greatest year of your life. "Eye has not seen, ear has not heard, nor has it so much as dawned on man what God has prepared for those who love Him" (1 Cor 2:9). Some of those reading this will die and go to heaven this year. Others may be just moments from hell unless they repent and turn to Jesus. Some will make the most important decisions and face the greatest challenges of their lives in 2009.
If we knew what will happen internationally in 2009, we would immediately fall on our knees in prayer. "That is why we read: 'Awake, O sleeper, arise from the dead, and Christ will give you light.' Keep careful watch over your conduct. Do not act like fools, but like thoughtful men. Make the most of the present opportunity, for these are evil days. Do not continue in ignorance, but try to discern the will of the Lord" (Eph 5:14-17).
Prayer: Father, thank You for creating me to live for You in 2009.
Promise: "You must know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, Who is within — the Spirit you have received from God. You are not your own. You have been purchased, and at a price. So glorify God in your body." —1 Cor 6:19-20
Praise: Praise Jesus, Whose Resurrection has given us a "future full of hope" (Jer 29:11).
Reference: (Listen to the Lord at the Paul Jansen Discipleship Center in the rural setting of Adams County. Call 937-587-5464 or 513-373-2397 or check www.presentationministries.com for schedule of events or to visit at another time.)
Rescript: †Reverend Joseph R. Binzer, Vicar General of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, June 17, 2008
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