Christ lives

I know that my redeemer is alive. ~ Job 19:25a (CEB)

Paul writes: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners. This saying is true, and it can be trusted. I was the worst sinner of all! ~ 1 Timothy 1:15 (CEV)

KEY IDEA:

Christ lives in order to save people like me.

PRAYER:

Thank you, Lord, for rescuing me from death. Forgive me when I forget that I've been freed. Help me now to live out the resurrection life that I am certain is my future. I'm going to become a living testimony to new life. Amen.

Faith and obedience

Noah did everything the Lord told him to do. ~ Genesis 6:22 (CEV)

It was by faith that Noah built a large boat to save his family from the flood. He obeyed God, who warned him about things that had never happened before. ~ Hebrews 11:7a (NLT)

KEY IDEA:

Faith and obedience walk hand in hand.

PRAYER:

Lord,

THANKS: I am grateful for the direction you give to us. Sometimes what you say sounds crazy -- always challenging.

REGRETS: Unlike Noah, I worry too much about what might happen if I follow your directions. Actually, I don't worry so much about what people think but I'm concerned that I'm not hearing you correctly. 

INTERCESSION: Help me to know the difference between the crazy things you are asking me to do and the many crazy things that my own mind generates.

PURPOSE: I'm going to trust you to give me discernment.

Amen.

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.