Today’s Bible readings can be found here: Haggai 2:1-9 and 1 Corinthians 9:1-14.

Haggai 2:5 ‘This is what I covenanted with you when you came out of Egypt. And my Spirit remains among you. Do not fear.’ (NIV)

            I love watching the Super Bowl. When I lived in Scotland, I started watching live broadcasts of this great sporting final during the 1980s. From the get-go, I have loved the game and since then I haven’t missed this annual spectacular televised event. Now that I live here in the United States, I get caught up in the team rivalries during the football season, but no matter who appears in the Super Bowl, I root for the game itself which is a wonderful display of athletic strength, coordinated teamwork, and skillful strategies.

            As both teams enter the field, the players all have one aspiration: to win the game. In the locker room, the coaches have just given them the last of their inspiring words and positive affirmations about the need for commitment, dedication, and unity on the field to ensure victory. In the end, the team that is most determined and consistent will usually claim the win.

            Today’s verse from Haggai contains some inspiring words that God gave to His people during troubled times. The prophet conveyed the blessing of God’s constant presence and reassured them that His Spirit would remain with them. The outcome of this promise was that they did not have to fear what lay head; they just had to trust God’s words, as well as His consistent ways.

            That promise is still with us today. We may be facing some new issues in our lives, our homes, our work, and even our church, but no matter what lies ahead of us, God’s constant presence through Christ will be there to guide and support us, to reassure and lead us.

Point to ponder: What challenges am I currently experiencing? Where is God in the midst of them?

Prayer: Lord Jesus, thank You for the presence of Your Spirit in our lives. Bless us with Your guidance and love, so that we may overcome whatever problems or concerns are currently happening. In Your Holy Name, we gratefully pray. Amen.

Today’s image is another of John’s Celtic Crosses called ‘Celtic Spring.’ If you would like to view a larger version, click here. If you would like to share some feedback about today’s message, please send him an email to Traqair@aol.com.