Day 219 | Saturday, 24 October 2020

Day 219 - Audio Version

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Day 219 | Saturday, 24 October 2020

WOW - a 40 degree temperature change from yesterday

COVID-19 County update: confirmed cases in the county are now 936 with 278 in the 14701 zip code.  There are 27 total cases in Lakewood.

 Jeremiah 17:5-8 CEB
5 The Lord proclaims:
Cursed are those who trust in mere humans,
    who depend on human strength
    and turn their hearts from the Lord.
6 They will be like a desert shrub
    that doesn’t know when relief comes.
They will live in the parched places of the wilderness,
    in a barren land where no one survives.
7 Happy are those who trust in the Lord,
    who rely on the Lord.
8 They will be like trees planted by the streams,
    whose roots reach down to the water.
They won’t fear drought when it comes;
    their leaves will remain green.
They won’t be stressed in the time of drought
    or fail to bear fruit.

“Surviving Drought By:  Kirsten Holmberg”  (from Our Daily Bread for October 24th)
“The one who   trusts in the Lord . . . will be like a tree planted by the water. Jeremiah 17:7–8”

“In April 2019, a suburban neighborhood in Victorville, California, became buried in tumbleweeds. High winds pushed the rolling thistles into the development from the adjacent Mojave Desert where the plant grows. At maturity, the pesky weed can grow to up to six feet in height—a formidable size when it releases itself from its roots to “tumble” with the wind to scatter its seeds.”

“Tumbleweeds are what I picture when I read Jeremiah’s description of a person “whose heart turns away from the Lord” (Jeremiah 17:5). He says that those who draw their strength from “mere flesh” will be like “a bush in the wastelands” and be unable to “see prosperity when it comes” (vv. 5–6). In sharp contrast are those who put their trust in God instead of people. Like trees, their strong, deep roots draw strength from God, enabling them to remain full of life, even in the midst of drought-like circumstances.”

“Tumbleweeds and trees both have roots. Tumbleweeds, however, don’t stay connected to their life-source, causing them to dry out and die. Trees, on the other hand, remain connected to their roots, enabling them to flourish and thrive, anchored to that which will sustain them in times of difficulty. When we hold fast to God, drawing strength and encouragement from the wisdom found in the Bible and talking to God in prayer, we too can experience the life-giving, life-sustaining nourishment God provides.”

“Reflect & Pray”
“How has God sustained you in times of drought? What can you do today to drive your roots more deeply into relationship with God?”
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“Life-giving God, You’re my sustainer. Thank You for giving me what I need to navigate my struggles and hardships.” Lord, Hear our prayers.  Amen