Healed

By his wounds we are healed. ~ Isaiah 53:5 (part)

(Christ) carried in his own body on the cross the sins we committed. He did this so that we might live in righteousness, having nothing to do with sin. By his wounds you were healed. ~ 1 Peter 2:24 (CEB)

Kind God, we are broken and gross people. We still act contrary to you and your will. We still create problems for ourselves and blame others. Because we are self-centered we do mean things to people -- even our own brothers and sisters in Christ. I think that I create more work for you than I'm worth. Fortunately, you don't think that way. Thank you for the ongoing treatment that you are applying to my life to bring healing of both me and those I injure. I need to trust you to make things whole again because it is certainly beyond me. So, I am going to trust in your incredible healing power -- the healing power that defeats sin and death. Amen.

Loving God

Your Redeemer God says: “I left you, but only for a moment. Now, with enormous compassion, I’m bringing you back. ~ Isaiah 54:7 (MSG)

But God was merciful! We were dead because of our sins, but God loved us so much that he made us alive with Christ, and God’s wonderful kindness is what saves you. ~ Ephesians 2:4-5 (CEV)

Loving God, sometimes I act as though everything depends on me, but deep inside me I know that your grace carries the day. You pour out a bucket of mercy on me and that cleans me up enough so we can have a relationship. In your kindness you have given me a new kind of life in Christ Jesus. Keep me mindful of your ongoing compassion. I want to show your love to everyone around me. Amen.

Freedom and Mystery

The Lord said, “Go out and stand at the mountain before the Lord. The Lord is passing by.” A very strong wind tore through the mountains and broke apart the stones before the Lord. But the Lord wasn’t in the wind. After the wind, there was an earthquake. But the Lord wasn’t in the earthquake. After the earthquake, there was a fire. But the Lord wasn’t in the fire. After the fire, there was a sound. Thin. Quiet. ~ 1 Kings 19:11-12 (CEB)

The Lord and the Spirit are one and the same, and the Lord’s Spirit sets us free. ~ 2 Corinthians 3:17 (CEV)

Lord,

THANKS: How is it that we are set free by someone we don't really understand. Lord, you are such a mystery. How your Spirit moves is very confusing. Yet, in that mystery we find ourselves. We come to know who we are and what our purpose is. Thank you.

REGRETS: In spite of the freedom, I sometimes act like I am a prisoner.

INTERCESSION: Holy Spirit, continue to pry my fingers loose from the unhealthy habits and patterns to which I cling.

PURPOSE: As I embrace the mystery of your Spirit I'm going to live in freedom.

Amen.

Savior

Our God is a God who saves. He is the King and the Lord. He saves us from death. ~ Psalm 68:20 (NIRV)

That evening after sunset, many sick and demon-possessed people were brought to Jesus. ~ Mark 1:32 (NLT)

God,

THANKS: I'm grateful that you care for broken and hurt people. Nobody else cares as much as you.

REGRETS: Even though I consider myself to be broken. And even though I have experienced your salvation in my own life, I still do not have much of a heart for the sick and possessed. I want them to work out there own problems.

INTERCESSION: Please give me a new heart for needy people.

PURPOSE: I'm going to allow you to transform me so that my world includes those in need of a touch from Jesus.

Amen.