Something new

The Lord said: Forget what happened long ago! Don’t think about the past. I am creating something new. There it is! Do you see it? I have put roads in deserts, streams in thirsty lands. ~ Isaiah 43:18-19 (CEV)

Then he said, “How can I picture God’s kingdom for you? What kind of story can I use? It’s like a pine nut that a man plants in his front yard. It grows into a huge pine tree with thick branches, and eagles build nests in it.” ~ Luke 13:19 (MSG)

KEY IDEA:

God is in the process of introducing something new. It's small now but will become significant.

PRAYER:

Lord, I'm excited about the way that you are growing something new -- something that will overshadow everything of the past. I don't always handle change well. Old is more comfortable. But I know that you will make me new so that I can participate in your new kingdom. Thank you for including me. Amen.

Living the new life with confidence

You made me suffer a lot, but you will bring me back from this deep pit and give me new life. ~ Psalm 71:20 (CEV)

Jesus said to his disciples, "Don’t be worried! Have faith in God and have faith in me." ~ John 14:1 (CEV)

KEY IDEA:

Trust the Lord to raise you up to live a new and improved life.

PRAYER:

Lord, I am grateful for your faithfulness. I confess, though, that I get swallowed in worry when things are not going well. Help me to relax and trust you for the best outcome -- an outcome way better than I could ever imagine. I'm going to move forward with my life even when worry is trying to attack me. Amen.

Hang out with Jesus

One day in your temple is better than a thousand anywhere else. ~ Psalm 84:10 (CEV)

I am the gate. All who come in through me will be saved. Through me they will come and go and find pasture. ~ John 10:9 (CEV)

KEY IDEA:

Christ is inviting us to enjoy the benefits of spending our lives with him.

PRAYER:

Indeed, Lord Jesus, it is better to spend a day hanging out with you than a thousand years hanging out with anyone else -- no matter how special the other person is. I'm grateful that you invite me in through your gate. At times I might be slow to enter. There are way too many distractions which grab my eye. But I want to live with you. Help me to make that my priority. Amen.

Seeking

But all who are hunting for you— oh, let them sing and be happy. Let those who know what you’re all about tell the world you’re great and not quitting. ~ Psalm 40:16 (MSG)

When Jesus got to the tree, he looked up and said, “Zacchaeus, hurry down. Today is my day to be a guest in your home.” Zacchaeus scrambled out of the tree, hardly believing his good luck, delighted to take Jesus home with him. ~ Luke 19:5-6 (MSG)

KEY IDEA:

Seekers become joyful as they realize how passionately the Lord has been seeking them out.

PRAYER:

Lord, while seeking you, I've discovered that you have been seeking after me -- except with more passion than I could ever generate. It's not really about my efforts but about your faithfulness to seek and find sinful people. I am one of those people. Often I make poor choices and wander off the path leading to you. But like the father in the prodigal son parable you are running out to find me. You are scanning the treeline to look for Zacchaeus and those who want to know you. Thank you. Change my life so that I am receptive of your grace. Fill me with the song of a person being embraced by Jesus. Amen.