Protected

Just as Jerusalem is protected by mountains on every side, the Lord protects his people by holding them in his arms now and forever. ~ Psalm 125:2 (CEV)

I heard a loud voice shout from the throne: God’s home is now with his people. He will live with them, and they will be his own. Yes, God will make his home among his people. ~ Revelation 21:3

KEY IDEA:

We're safe because God has generously set up house among us.

PRAYER:

Lord, thank you for being here. I can relax because I'm under your protection. But sometimes I don't relax. It's almost as though I enjoy getting all worked up when trouble comes. It makes me feel important. Help me to accept the reality that you alone are my only hope. I'm going to live out that hope -- starting now. Amen.

Mindfulness

The Lord has done many wonderful things! Everyone who is pleased with God’s marvelous deeds will keep them in mind. ~ Psalm 111:2 (CEV)

Consider how the lilies grow; they don’t work or make clothes for themselves. But I tell you that even Solomon with his riches was not dressed as beautifully as one of these flowers. ~ Luke 12:27 (NCV)

KEY IDEA:

Keep thinking about all the beautiful things the Lord has done and created.

PRAYER:

Lord, when I'm overwhelmed by the problems I just have to pause and ponder again all the beautiful things you have done. That is refreshing and strengthens my faith. Thank you! I admit, though, that at times my faith is wobbly. Please continue to bring to my mind the wonderful work that you have done and are doing. I'm going to surround myself with your beauty. Amen.

Sustaining Savior

Christ the King Sunday

Lord, sustain me as you promised, that I may live! Do not let my hope be crushed. ~ Psalm 119:116 (NLT)

Now, may the God of peace himself cause you to be completely dedicated to him; and may your spirit, soul, and body be kept intact and blameless at our Lord Jesus Christ’s coming. ~ 1 Thessalonians 5:23 (CEB)

KEY IDEA:

Christ Jesus sustains his people through trying times -- keeping our hope alive.

PRAYER:

Prince of Peace, thank you for holding me together when everything around me is pulling me apart. I need to trust you more in the midst of the chaos. Sometimes I feel that all the hope in me has been crushed. I feel anger and rage because of the direction that the world has turned. Fill me with your peace so that I can continue to trust you through even the most trying of times. I'm going to live a life completely dedicated to serving you. Amen.

Guidance

Someone may say to you, “Let’s ask the mediums and those who consult the spirits of the dead. With their whisperings and mutterings, they will tell us what to do.” But shouldn’t people ask God for guidance? Should the living seek guidance from the dead? ~ Isaiah 8:19 (NLT)

But anyone who is joined to the Lord is one in spirit with him. ~ 1 Corinthians 6:17 (CEV)

KEY IDEA:

Since our connection is with the Lord, he is the only guide we need or should have.

PRAYER:

Lord,

THANKS: Thank you for leading me. I do not know where I would be without you.

REGRETS: Unfortunately I do not pay as close enough attention to you as I should. Sometimes I even ask the wrong people for guidance. That never turns out right.

INTERCESSION: Please continue to direct my life so that I end up where YOU want me and with who YOU want me to be near.

PURPOSE: I'm trusting in your guidance.

Amen.