Do the right thing

God said to Cain, "You will be accepted if you do what is right. But if you refuse to do what is right, then watch out! Sin is crouching at the door, eager to control you. But you must subdue it and be its master.” ~ Genesis 4:7 NLT)

Pursue righteousness and a godly life, along with faith, love, perseverance, and gentleness. ~ 1 Timothy 6:11b (NLT)

KEY THOUGHT:

Do the right thing.

PRAYER:

Thank you, God, for being the faithful, loving, persistent, and gentle God. Forgive me for pursuing short term benefits that have little to do with the kind of god you are. Help me to discover a life that is rooted in godliness. I am going to do the right thing -- always. Amen.

Follow Jesus

All who leave you end up as fools, Deserters with nothing to show for their lives, who walk off from God, fountain of living waters— and wind up dead! ~ Jeremiah 17:13b (MSG)

Jesus said: “Time’s up! God’s kingdom is here. Change your life and believe the Message.” ~ Mark 1:15 (MSG)

KEY THOUGHT:

Follow Jesus!

PRAYER:

God, thank you for the good news of new life coming through Christ Jesus. There are lots of competing versions of good news. Sometimes I pay too much attention to the competitors. Help me to stick close to you. I'm going to turn from everyting else and trust you alone to make life worthwhile. Amen.

God's understanding

The First Sunday after the Epiphany

God is the one who uncovers what lies deeply hidden; he knows what hides in darkness... ~ Daniel 2:22a (CEB)

Have you ever come on anything quite like this extravagant generosity of God, this deep, deep wisdom? It’s way over our heads. We’ll never figure it out. ~ Romans 11:33 (MSG)

KEY THOUGHT:

God's understanding of things is beyond what we can imagine.

PRAYER:

God, thank you for understanding me. Your wisdom is superior to everything else. Why do I then worry over things? Why do I try to come up with solutions apart from you? I can't answer those questions. But I know that you can. Pour out your grace and some of your wisdom so that I can relax in you. Amen.

Justice and fairness

But let justice and fairness flow like a river that never runs dry. ~ Amos 5:24 (CEV)

But Jesus called the disciples together and said: You know that those foreigners who call themselves kings like to order their people around. And their great leaders have full power over the people they rule. But don’t act like them. If you want to be great, you must be the servant of all the others. ~ Mark 10:42-43 (CEV)

KEY THOUGHT:

Jesus' followers make justice and fairness a high priority.

PRAYER:

Thank you, God, for treating me so well. Treating others well is not always a high priority for me. I get so wrapped up in myself and my problems that I forget or lose focus. Help me to become the servant of all -- especially those who have been treated poorly. I'm going to become great in YOUR kingdom. Amen.