God at Work

After a while the people of Joshua’s generation died, and the next generation did not know the Lord or any of the things he had done for Israel. ~ Joshua 2:10 (CEV)

With my own eyes I have seen what you have done to save your people, and foreign nations will also see this. Your mighty power is a light for all nations, and it will bring honor to your people Israel. ~ Luke 2:30-23 (CEV)

Lord, you have acted on behalf of those near and far. You are the most honorable of all beings. Yet, we shame ourselves when we forget you and lose ourselves in our own worlds. Help me to get past my shame. Through the cross Jesus took my shame and removed any power it had. So I need to move on and help shine your light to the nations. Amen.

Depth

We justify our actions by appearances; God examines our motives. ~ Proverbs 21:2 (MSG)

You say, “I am allowed to do anything”—but not everything is good for you. And even though “I am allowed to do anything,” I must not become a slave to anything. ~ 1 Corinthians 6:12 (NLT)

Lord,

THANKS: You understand us at the deepest level. You understand my motives and you see what others don't see. Even though that is scary I'm grateful to be known by you and I am counting on your grace.

REGRETS: I'm more concerned about appearances than the substance of who I am.

INTERCESSION: Please help me to adjust my definitions of success so that they line up with the things that are important to you.

PURPOSE: I'm wanting to become a person of spiritual depth. By your grace I am sure that I can grow that way.

Amen.

Gracious

Someone else may say to you, “Let’s worship other gods.” That person may be your best friend, your brother or sister, your son or daughter, or your own dear wife or husband. But you must not listen to people who say such things. ~ Deuteronomy 13:6-8 (CEV)

Live creatively, friends. If someone falls into sin, forgivingly restore him, saving your critical comments for yourself. You might be needing forgiveness before the day’s out. ~ Galatians 6:1 (MSG)

Lord, you have your standards -- but you also have understanding and grace. You are the only God worthy of worship and attention. Help me to be as gracious as you. I want to be the person who gently helps others do the right thing. Amen.

Master over all

The deepest places on earth are his, and the highest mountains belong to him. ~ Psalm 95:4 (NCV)

The God who made the world and everything in it, this Master of sky and land, doesn’t live in custom-made shrines or need the human race to run errands for him, as if he couldn’t take care of himself. ~ Acts 17:24 (MSG)

Heavenly Father, you are above it all. You are the master of everything and you need nothing. Yet, in your love you sent your Son Christ Jesus live with us and save us. As someone who is trying to follow you, I am eternally grateful. I confess that sometimes I treat you like a cosmic FedEx delivery guy. You don't need us but we need you and we are inclined to take undo advantage of your generosity. I make it all about me instead of you. But I want that to change. I start by once again acknowledging that you are the God who made the world and everything in it. Amen.