Chicago During Covid-19 #20

A Columbine growing in Chicago reminds me of Colorado.

 

What prompts you to remember the whole way the Lord your God has led you (Deuteronomy 8:2)?

We follow best when we humbly pray.

 

Chicago During Covid-19 #19

Parks and roads are closed all over Chicago. But road closures don’t stop God.

He makes the clouds his chariot; he rides on the wings of the wind (Psalm 104:3).

His mercies . . . are new every morning (Lamentations 3:22-23).

Plead for mercy when you pray.

Chicago During Covid-19 #18

I passed bright green bushes and pale purple pansies on my walk to the store.

I savored sweet smelling lilacs.

But the grocery store, a few steps beyond these flowers, was boarded up and closed.

If my people who are called by my name will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sins and restore their land (2 Chronicles 7:14).

Chicago During Covid-19 #17

 

While walking, I looked down.

In the shadow of the cross, surrounded by danger, death, and disease, we pray with hope.

Chicago During Covid-19 #16

 

Lake Shore Drive without cars and the Lake Front without people creates a peaceful picture. But Chicago is not peaceful.

Seek the welfare of the city to where I have sent you . . . and pray to the Lord on its behalf (Jeremiah 29:7).

Chicago During Covid-19 #15

A cross, whose message offers life and hope to all who pray, believing.

Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day according the Scriptures (1 Corinthians 15:3-4).

Chicago During Covid-19 #14

This is more than a sign speaking hope. The proceeds from its sale help provide for people in need.

If someone is poorly clothed and lacking daily food and you say, “Go in peace, be warmed and filled, without giving them the things needed for the body, what good is that?” So also faith by itself, if it does not have good works, is dead (James 2:16-17).

Let your faith produce prayer, and your prayer produce good deeds.

Chicago During Covid-19 #13

A cluster of daffodils looks like people longing to be free.

You can find true freedom during lockdown. If the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed (John 8:36).

That is why we pray.

Chicago During Covid-19 #12

A Bleeding Heart Plant. Their name speaks pain, but the exquisite flowers are beautiful.

The God to whom we pray heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds (Psalm 147:3).

Chicago During Covid-19 #11

An early evening sky over Lake Michigan inspiring praise.

God’s Spirit made the heavens beautiful . . . These are just the beginning of all that he does, merely a whisper of his power (Job 26:13-14).