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January 19, 2025
A Hospital
by Allison Antrim
Last week, I went to the doctor for the first time in a long time. I was nervous because I was going to ask for help with something I’d struggled with for many years. I’d had loved ones encourage me to seek treatment for this issue in the past, but I was unwilling to listen. I preferred to try to heal it myself through different means. However, things finally came to a point last year where I realized I couldn’t fix the issue myself. I was ready to admit that I needed expert help.
Many of us experience something similar in our hearts and minds. We realize that, despite our best efforts, we mess up. We get tired of the cycle of failure and striving to do better. We need a cure for the brokenness. We need Jesus. And one of the best things to help us follow him is the church, the hospital for hurting souls. This is God’s design for his people, that they would gather and follow him together, inviting anyone who is hurting to come along so that they may find healing in Jesus.
But maybe church hasn’t been a healing place for you. Maybe church has inflicted more wounds than you had before you came through the doors. If that’s you, I pray you will know that God doesn’t want his church to be that way and that he grieves your pain right alongside you. We who make up the church aren’t perfect, but the God we follow is. If you are hurting and long for healing, come with us as we make space for him to heal our hurts and change our lives.
If the church is a hospital, what does that require of those who attend? How will you participate in the healing work done at Heartland?
You can watch the January 19 message HERE.
21 Days of Prayer:
Use the guide below to pray in the morning and again in the evening for the next week. Regular prayer times can lead to a deeper connection with God and help us begin and end our days by inviting God along, thanking him for his presence, and talking to him about personal needs and the needs of others.
[Monday, January 20]
Psalm 5:2-3
Morning: Petition
Dear God, as I wake up and greet this new day, I come before you with my needs. I lay them before you and know that you’ll hear me. Please act on my behalf today. I love you, Lord, and I trust you. In Jesus’ name, amen.
Matthew 11:28-30
Evening: Rest
Father God, thank you for bringing me through the day. Sometimes I am weary with many burdens, but I am glad that your yoke is easy and your burden is light. Thank you for walking with me through life, showing me how to live the way you want me to. In Jesus’ name, amen.
[Tuesday, January 21]
Psalm 25:5
Morning: Guidance
Dear Lord, truth is difficult to find these days. Everywhere I look, arguments and debates abound over what I should believe and why. Help me discern your truth as I go to work, to school, and whereve else I need to be. Teach me so my mind is calm and confident in you. You have saved me, and my hope is in you, not in anyone or anything else. In Jesus’ name, amen.
Psalm 92:2
Evening: Love and Faithfulness
Jesus, as I think back on my day, I can see signs that you were with me. Thank you for always being there. When I wake up tomorrow, I pray that you will make me aware of your love for me that never changes. In your precious and wonderful name, amen.
[Wednesday, January 22]
Psalm 55:17
Morning: Call and Response
Oh God, thank you for hearing me when I pray to you in the depths of my distress. I know I can call on you at any time because my words don’t fall on deaf ears. Help me continue to cry out to you, even when I don’t hear you respond. I know you will in your own time. In Jesus’ name, amen.
Joshua 1:8-9
Evening: Word and Way
Father God, you have given us your word in the Bible. Help me to read it, to let it sink into my mind and heart, so that I can obey what you’ve said and live how you want me to live. I know I can be brave and courageous in whatever I’ll face tomorrow because you are with me every step of the way. Let me rest in you and your words tonight. In Jesus’ name, amen.
[Thursday, January 23]
Deuteronomy 6:4-7
Morning: Faith Lived Out
Dear Lord, I want to love you with all my heart, soul, and strength. Help me to keep your word in my mind today so that my faith in you will be visible to all. In Jesus’ name, amen.
Psalm 130:5-6
Evening: Waiting and Watching
God, I know you never sleep, and will keep watch over me while I do. Please help me to wait for you in regard to the needs I have. Let me start tomorrow with a fresh expectation that I will see your goodness in my life. In Jesus’ name, amen.
[Friday, January 24]
Isaiah 33:2
Morning: Strength in the Morning
Dear Jesus, as I start a new day, be my strength so that I can face whatever comes. Give me grace when I fail and the encouragement I need to get up and try again. I love you and I trust you. In your good and glorious name, amen.
Psalm 36:5
Evening: Great and Vast
Father God, as I wrap up this day, I thank you for your love and faithfulness that are so great and vast. You have done so much for me, and I am grateful for your presence in my life. Thank you for who you are and what you are doing. Help me to see your love and faithfulness every day. In Jesus’ name, amen.
{extra journey resources}
CLICK HERE to visit The Bible Project site and explore their super simple, super informative Bible videos (and other resources). You can also download The Bible Project App HERE.
CLICK HERE to get the Read Scripture App, from our friends at The Bible Project.
CLICK HERE for more on how to use the observe-reflect-apply approach to getting the most out of your Bible reading.
The Bible App Get the free YouVersion Bible for your phone, tablet, or computer. Experience the Bible anywhere, with options to highlight, save notes, and share what you are reading with others.
The Bible App For Kids YouVersion partnered with OneHope to develop the Bible App for Kids, designing it specifically to engage children with Bible stories on an age-appropriate level. The Bible App for Kids is a free app for Android, Apple, and Kindle devices, available in over 60 languages.
Bible Gateway Provides advanced Bible searching capabilities, which allow readers to find passages in scripture based on keywords, phrases, or scripture reference.
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