Thursday, 11th July, 2024

Bible Reading: Matthew 10: 29-33
Memory Verse: Don’t be afraid! You are worth more than many sparrows. Matthew 10:31 (GWT)

Civilla Martin, who wrote the lyrics of the hymn, “His Eye Is on the Sparrow” said her inspiration to write the song is based on the scriptures: Early in the spring of 1905, my husband and I were sojourning in Elmira, New York. We contracted a deep friendship for a couple by the name of Mr. and Mrs. Doolittle – true saints of God. Mrs. Doolittle had been bedridden for nearly twenty years. Her husband was an incurable cripple who had to propel himself to and from his business in a wheel chair. Did you just read that? A couple – husband, an incurable cripple and wife, bedridden for two decades! Yet, they are joyful prolific Christians. What a faith! What a couple!! I am in awe of the deep work of love the Holy Spirit has done in their heart.
Despite their afflictions, they lived happy Christian lives, bringing inspiration and comfort to all who knew them. One day while we were visiting with the Doolittles, my husband commented on their bright hopefulness and asked them for the secret. Mrs. Doolittle’s reply was simple: “His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He watches me.” The beauty of this simple expression of boundless faith gripped the hearts and fired the imagination of Dr. Martin. The hymn “His Eye Is on the Sparrow” was the outcome of that experience.
While you trust God for all the beautiful things He has promised as enshrined in the Scriptures, what will you do if He chooses not to answer you? What will you do if He chooses to tarry? Will you deny your faith? Will your faith waver? While God can do all things, He could choose not to do certain things in His sovereign will. 
Pastor Nick Vujicic, Australian-American evangelist and motivational speaker has travelled far and wide proclaiming Jesus, yet he has no limbs. What he has achieved for Christ many mortal men with limbs haven’t achieved. Dear brethren, keep your eyes on Jesus. Let Him work through your life as He deems fit all to His glory. If He can take care of the sparrow, He will take care of you. 

Quote: Until Jesus becomes the only lover of your soul, your focus is under threat.
Prophetic Decree: No situation or circumstances shall steal the joy of the Holy Ghost from your heart, in Jesus name. 
Prayer Focus

1. Sing the hymn, “His eyes on the Sparrow” on page 104.
2. O Lord, please help me to use my life to your glory, in Jesus name. 
3. May my will be lost in your will, O Lord. May my life be buried in yours, Jesus my King.
4. No situation or circumstances shall steal my joy, in the name of Jesus.
5. My life will not lack divine motivation. May I be surrounded by Christians who faith encourages my own faith, in Jesus name. 

BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: Amos 1-5

Hymnal: His Eye Is On The Sparrow

1. Why should I feel discouraged,
   Why should the shadows come,
   Why should my heart be lonely,
   And long for heav’n and home;
   When Jesus is my portion?
   My constant Friend is he;
   His eye is on the sparrow,
   And I know he watches me;
   His eye is on the sparrow,
   And I know he watches me.

Refrain:
I sing because I’m happy,
I sing because I’m free;
For his eye is on the sparrow,
And I know he watches me.

2. “Let not your heart be troubled,”
   His tender word I hear,
   And resting on his goodness,
   I lose my doubts and fears;
   Though by the path he leadeth,
   But one step I may see;
   His eye is on the sparrow,
   And I know he watches me;
   His eye is on the sparrow,
   And I know he watches me. 
3. Whenever I am tempted,
   Whenever clouds arise;
   When songs give place to sighing,
   When hope within me dies,
   I draw the closer to him,
   From care he sets me free;
   His eye is on the sparrow,
   And I know he watches me;
   His eye is on the sparrow,
   And I know he watches me.