Good and bad alike

All the world will know that I, the Lord, am your Savior and your Redeemer... ~ Isaiah 49:26 (NLT)

The Kingdom of Heaven can be illustrated by the story of a king who prepared a great wedding feast for his son... So the servants brought in everyone they could find, good and bad alike, and the banquet hall was filled with guests. ~ Matthew 22:2,10 (CEV)

KEY IDEA:

God welcomes us all because he is a savior and redeemer.

PRAYER:

Lord, thank you for welcoming us all -- good and bad alike -- into your great kingdom. I'm more partial than you, though. I want to surround myself with good people -- people who can add value to my life. Save me from my narrowmindedness and implant within me a heart for those who are misfits. I'm going to join the world in celebrating your mercy and grace. Amen.

Renewal --> Justice

How terrible it will be for those who make unfair laws, and those who write laws that make life hard for people. They are not fair to the poor, and they rob my people of their rights. They allow people to steal from widows and to take from orphans what really belongs to them. ~ Isaiah 10:1,2 (NCV)  

Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect. ~ Romans 12:2 (NLT)

KEY IDEA:

When we are transformed by God's renewal program we start treating people right.

PRAYER:

God, thank you for standing up for those who are treated wrongly. And the world seems to be all about taking advantage of people when we can get away with it. We rarely even think of what we do as taking unfair advantage of people. It is just so much a part of the system. And I don't really try hard to break away from it all. Transform my mind so that I think and act differently. I'd rather raise up the poor than to participate in a system which walks on top of them. Amen.

Children

The Second Sunday of Lent

Each generation tells the next about your faithfulness. ~ Isaiah 38:19b (CEV)

But Jesus intervened: “Let the children alone, don’t prevent them from coming to me. God’s kingdom is made up of people like these.” ~ Matthew 19:14 (MSG)

KEY IDEA:

It is our mission as adults to enable children to meet Jesus.

PRAYER:

Lord, thank you for welcoming unpretentious people into your presence. I confess that I am too inclined to give my attention to people who have a reputation or even fame. And I allow my prejuidice to get in the way of welcoming children into the presence of Jesus. Help me to see the children and their needs. I am going to prioritize children. Amen.

Righteousness

The Lord always does right and wants justice done. Everyone who does right will see his face. ~ Psalm 11:7 (CEV)

“In a word, what I’m saying is, Grow up. You’re kingdom subjects. Now live like it. Live out your God-created identity. Live generously and graciously toward others, the way God lives toward you.” ~ Matthew 5:48 (MSG)

KEY IDEA:

Our God-created identity revolves around living out his righteousness.

PRAYER:

God of perfection, thank you for your Son who entered into the sinful imperfection of this world. I am sorry for the ways I have rebelled against you. I have no rightful claim to your righteousness. Forgive me, Lord. Perfect me by your grace. Help me love righteousness and live righteously, that others might come to know the Father. Amen. (Daily Texts, Mount Carmel Ministries edition)