Reap peace

They will be my people, and I will be their God, because they will return to me with their whole hearts. ~ Jeremiah 24:7b (NCV)

You know the message that God has sent to the people of Israel is the Good News that peace has come through Jesus Christ. Jesus is the Lord of all people! ~ Acts 10:36 (NCV)

KEY IDEA:

All people reap peace when they return to the Lord.

PRAYER:

Prince of Peace, thank you for establishing a peaceful way. Forgive me for trying to succeed in other ways. I need help in turning to you with my whole heart. I am embracing both your forgiveness and your peace. Jesus is Lord of all! Amen.

Change

The first Sunday after Epiphany

For a while, I turned away in furious anger. Now I will have mercy and love you forever! I, your protector and Lord, make this promise.” ~ Isaiah 54:8 (CEV)

Perhaps you do not understand that God is kind to you so you will change your hearts and lives. ~ Romans 2:4 (NCV) 

KEY IDEA:

Change the way that you think and act so that you are embracing God's kindness.

PRAYER:

Lord God, I am grateful that you love us so much that you do not hold our sins against us. You change your mind. Help me to change the way I deal with reality. Help me to turn more thoroughly toward you. I am going to embrace your kindness and mercy. Amen.

God's work, God's way

You will go in and take the land from nations that practice magic and witchcraft. But the Lord your God won’t allow you to do those things. ~ Deuteronomy 18:14 (CEV)

Paul writes: We have not stopped praying for you since the first day we heard about you. In fact, we always pray that God will show you everything he wants you to do and that you may have all the wisdom and understanding that his Spirit gives. Then you will live a life that honors the Lord, and you will always please him by doing good deeds. You will come to know God even better. ~ Colossians 1:9-10 (CEV)

KEY IDEA:

The only way to truly serve the Lord is to do things his way.

PRAYER:

Lord, you have shown over and over again that you are the only one worth serving. And that is what I want to do. But I do have a mind of my own and too many times I try to accomplish your goals in my own way. As such it really ends up being about me. Forgive me and continue to realign my heart with yours. I'm going to go about your business in your way. Amen.

Enjoy life

You brought me more happiness than a rich harvest of grain and grapes. ~ Psalm 4:7 (CEV)

Warn the rich people of this world not to be proud or to trust in wealth that is easily lost. Tell them to have faith in God, who is rich and blesses us with everything we need to enjoy life. ~ 1 Timothy 6:17 (CEV)

KEY IDEA:

If you want to really enjoy life, make sure that you are trusting in the God who is reliable and eager to bless.

PRAYER:

Lord, you are eager to bless us so that we can truly enjoy life. But I'm like everyone else -- I tend to trust in things which give temporary and superficial happiness. Intervene in my life and take me to a deeper level which seeks happiness in you and the things which matter to you. I am looking forward to enjoying life in a whole new way. Amen.