Trust the grip

God is going to reach down to the dark place below and yank me loose from its unbreakable death grip. He'll welcome me back to the land of life with a warm embrace and a big party. ~ Psalm 49:15 (ABP)

Christ our Savior defeated death and brought us the good news. It shines like a light and offers life that never ends. ~ 2 Timothy 1:10b (CEV)

KEY IDEA:

Through Christ death is defeated. So live as a victor.

PRAYER:

Thank you, God, for sending Jesus to rescue us from death. Thank you for the new life that is ours after we are rescued. It doesn't make sense but sometimes I longingly look back toward the darkness below. There is still more in me that needs transforming so that I can experience complete detachment from that place. I'm going to trust your powerful grip. Amen.

The peace from God

God, just as you bring calm to the roaring seas and calm to the loud crashing waves, you can calm the boisterous unbelieving nations. ~ Psalm 65:7 (ABP)

Then, because you belong to Christ Jesus, God will bless you with peace that no one can completely understand. And this peace will control the way you think and feel. ~ Philippians 4:7 (CEV)

KEY IDEA:

Quit worrying and trust in the peace that God brings.

PRAYER:

Lord, we live in a crazy world where the loudest and craziest people get the most attention -- and sometimes the power. I can't help but fret over that. Yet, you offer calm and peace even when this is going on. Help me to tap into what you're doing so I can relax and trust you. I know that you are going to create peace in the midst of the chaos. Amen.

Receptive listening

I’m listening, Lord. What do you want me to do? ~ 1 Samuel 3:9 (part/CEV)

Stay with what you heard from the beginning, the original message. Let it sink into your life. If what you heard from the beginning lives deeply in you, you will live deeply in both Son and Father. ~ 1 John 2:24 (MSG)

KEY IDEA:

Listen and act on what God is saying.

PRAYER:

Lord, I am so grateful that you don't leave us to live our lives without directions. I can't see how things fit together without directions. Sometimes I put things together in my own way -- ignoring your directions -- what you are saying. I do that because I'm too lazy to listen and I think that I should be able to do it all on my own. So please keep talking to me. I am trusting that eventually I will hear and respond appropriately. Amen.

Christ frees

They will not defile themselves with disgusting idols anymore or corrupt themselves with sin. I will free them from all the ways in which they sin and betray me. I will purify them; they will be my people, and I will be their God. ~ Ezekiel 37:23 (GNT)

Christ loves us, and by his blood he set us free from our sins. He lets us rule as kings and serve God his Father as priests. To him be glory and power forever and ever! Amen. ~ Revelation 1:5-6 (CEV)

KEY IDEAS:

Christ sets us free.

PRAYER:

Glorious God, you have freed me through the blood of your Son. Thank you for inviting me into your unending kingdom. Forgive me for the times I refuse that invitation, chasing after truth where it is not to be found. Cleanse me again today. Let the waters in which I was baptized wash away falsehood, until only Jesus remains. Amen. (Daily Texts, Mount Carmel Ministries edition)