I do not understand what I do. For what I want to do I do not do, but what I hate I do. … What a wretched man I am! (Romans 7:15,24)

The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; His mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is Your faithfulness. (Lamentations 3:22-23)
 
The jar of flour was not spent, neither did the jug of oil become empty, according to the word of the Lord that He spoke by Elijah. (1 Kings 17:16)

How many days I fail! God gave me an opportunity to share His love or His word, and I missed it … or ignored it. I indulged my critical spirit again. I jumped to conclusions and withheld grace from another. I finish so many days feeling fed up and frustrated with myself. Other days, someone else in my life fails, disappointing or hurting me. Conflict erupts in the family or in the church. The messiness of everyday Christian life leaves me feeling wretched. Can you relate? 

Praise God that He fills me up afresh every morning with His love and mercy, a healing oil that anoints my failures and wounds. Thanks be to God, through Jesus Christ my Lord, for empowering me to get up, go forward, and try again every day.
 
Here are suggested prayer topics for today and this week:
 
1.  Today in Poland, Tomasz Chylka and his team are meeting with 500 teenagers in two high schools to share testimonies, sing Christian songs, and warn against drugs and alcohol.  Thank God that school doors in Poland are open to this kind of Christian outreach.  Lift up the young people who are hearing Tomasz’s message, praying that God’s truth will penetrate their hearts deeply.
 
2.  In the last week, Greg Hodgson has experienced severe and painful muscle spasms in his back, pancreatitis, extreme weakness, and the feeling that his body is “broken.” Greg is asking God to reveal whether His will is for Greg to continue fighting or for Greg to go home to Him. Greg says, "I have run out of strength to continue to press on. There's not much for me to do, by logical standards, but to give up; so I am putting out a fleece before God. I'm asking for healing and strength – healing of my organs and renewed internal strength to press on. I will accept whatever His answer is, but I pray that His answer will be to heal me. If not, I will take comfort in having fought the good fight (2 Timothy 4:6-8).”  Pray along with Greg.
 
3.  Most of our small groups are starting this week. Pray that they will achieve their purpose: for us to grow in Christ together through Bible study, prayer, and sharing of our lives.
 
4.  In the days since the flood of Syrian refugees into Europe began, questioning voices have joined the voices of compassion. Why aren’t rich Arab nations taking in the refugees? How many ISIS terrorists are among the refugees? Why hasn’t the world paid attention to earlier refugees who are Christians? Good questions. Nevertheless, tens of thousands of human beings are in dire straits. Pray for them and for the church in Europe ministering to them. Greater Europe Mission (GEM) is one of the few Christian organizations currently providing relief to the refugees. To make a contribution to GEM’s refugee fund, click here.
 
5.  “I will follow you, Lord, but first let me go …”  (Luke 9:61) Lord Jesus, I confess that sometimes I desire to follow you as long as it’s on my terms. I want to follow you and obey you today on your terms. You are Master, not me.
 
6.  Ask the Lord to bring to your mind one person in your life who does not know Jesus.  Ask Him to nudge you to pray regularly for that person.  Ask Him to show you how to develop your relationship in a direction that will lead to sharing the gospel with him or her.
 
7.  Ask our heavenly Father to use the Beth Moore simulcast next Saturday to speak clearly to each woman who attends. Pray for a time of encouragement and fellowship.
 
In Christ,
Carol Gilbert, Prayer Chair
Calvary Community Church of Brea