Bridges (Ps 33:13-15) by Mike Sanders

10 Jul Bridges (Ps 33:13-15) by Mike Sanders

Welcome God now with this LIFE Group Devotion (FB), provided by LIFE Runners (FB). Leaders. Guest Authors.
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“From heaven the Lord looks down and sees all mankind; from his dwelling place he watches all who live on earth—he who forms the hearts of all, who considers everything they do.” ~ Ps 33:13-15 (full readings)
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Mike’s Reflections: I’ve run over many bridges in my lifetime.  There are some that stand out in magnificent splendor like Portland, Oregon’s St John’s Bridge, or the Tower Bridge in London, or the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco, not to mention the many covered bridges that are so beautifully designed and wonderful.  Often, these bridges allow me to reflect on the majesty of our Lord and His word.  Psalm 33 speaks volumes as to who our Lord is and what He has given us to bridge the gap to Him.  One bridge I recently crossed was during the LIFE Runners A-Cross the Country Relay for Pro-Life.  I was with a group that was starting across the bridge over to Illinois as we received the baton from Indiana.  As I was dropped for my leg of the journey, I prayed that I wouldn’t encounter any dogs that wanted to chew on my bones!  Of course, the Lord wanted me to trust Him so not even a half-mile into my run of around 7 miles a massive dog came barreling at me.  I froze for a moment and slowly started backing away.  The support crew wasn’t going to be returning to get me until about 45 more minutes when they thought I would be done.  Now you know how the Lord sends relief sometimes and we, in our pride and stubbornness, don’t recognize it.  Yep, that happened…our God sent 3 vehicles past me.  I finally got it and said, “OK, Lord, I’m supposed to flag a vehicle down to help me!  Thanks!”  I prayed for one more to come by and sure enough it did and I was even able to share what we, our group, was doing and why I was out running on these roads.  It was like another crossing of a bridge in which God sent me this person and vehicle to cross over an area of danger.  Just as I started running again I thanked our Lord expressing how much I needed to put my trust in Him.  Today I am reminded and comforted knowing the “Lord looks down…He sees it all…He is watching and He considers everything we do”.  This very thought allows me to dwell on how a child depends on His mother watching over him or her in the womb from the moment of conception.  As we cross over our bridges of life, let us reflect on the ending of Psalm 33: “we wait in hope for the Lord…we trust in His holy name…your unfailing love be with us, Lord…we put our hope in you.”
* Mike Sanders and his bride, Laurie, have two children, Shawn and Jenna.  He is a college cross country and track coach and personal fitness training instructor. He is also a retired veteran of the United States Air Force (24 years of service). Mike speaks on topics of character, leadership, encouragement, and his journey and blessing with stage IV throat cancer (for scheduling contact Mike Sanders, Belleville, IL on Facebook or contact@liferunners.org).
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Faith Challenge: Pray to understand that we have hope in our Lord and that He loves you and is looking down upon you considering everything you do…give Him praise and rejoice in His doings.
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Counter-Culture News: LifeSiteNews, LifeNews, American Family, Vatican, Project Rachel.
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Our Prayers: Prayer to end abortion. LIFE Runners Creed. Add Prayers. Pray with meals, bedtime, wake up, etc. Consider mid-week Family Rosary (17 min). Let’s pray now.
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Feast Day: St. Joseph Cafasso 
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Faith Quote: “Trust in Him at all times, you people; pour out your hearts to Him, for God is our refuge.” ~ Psalm 62:8
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Through Christ our Lord,
Mike