Weekly Devotional by Jim Kerner

“With Thanksgiving fast approaching, it is time to reflect on what we have to be thankful for and for some, this year doesn’t make it easy. 2020has swept across the world like a runaway freight train, barreling down the tracks, out of control.

We live in troubled times…fires out west, hurricanes in the gulf and corona virus all around us, sneaking up on us when we least expect it. But the Lord has said “Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, yes, I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.” (Isaiah 41:10)

So, back to what we have to be thankful for, … a God who loves us, (1 John 4:19 We love because he first loved us). a God who sent His Son to take away our sins, (1 John 4:8-10 God is love. This is how God showed his love among us: He sent his one and only Son into the world that we might live through him. This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins.) a God with never ending grace. (Ephesians 2:8 For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God.) And by this grace, we are forgiven!

More than anything else, God wants for you to experience the comfort of His love and forgiveness.

Father God, I pray for all who read this that they might give their troubles to you. I pray for the people who are going through the tribulations of the corona virus and worries of loved ones suffering, that You will give them the peace and endurance that they need. Release us from our reluctance to forgive ourselves and embrace the forgiveness from You with a thankful heart. But overall, I pray for Your will to be done in all of us according to Your plans for us. In Jesus’ name, Amen.”

– Jim Kerner