Then I saw a new heaven and new earth for the first heaven and first earth had passed away. (verse 1) This is the cycle: the old passes and the new arises. We see this with plants such as perennials and even with our bodies. It is said 98% of our body’s cells are totally renewed every seven to 10 years. There is a theory that as the cells renew, the new cells will carry any current changes we have made in our emotional and mental lives. Old dogs can learn new tricks! Life is constantly renewing. What a great gift from God.
“A shocking number of people-almost 43 million-are forcibly displaced in the world today.” (Canadian Lutheran World Relief, www.clwr.org/WRD, accessed May 2015) In the Middle East, it is estimated 12 million souls are displaced due to the Syrian war. More than half are women and children.
Let us help God in the creation of a new heaven and new earth. Please take a moment to pray regularly for all refugees worldwide, for their safety, health, happiness and a new home. With every prayer an old way passes and a new life begins.
Dear God, we look forward to the New Jerusalem. In the meantime, please have mercy on the world's refugees and provide them with safety, health, happiness and a new home. Amen. — BLR