God's generosity

He does wonders that cannot be understood; he does so many miracles they cannot be counted. ~ Job 9:10 (NCV)

Because he was full of grace and truth, from him we all received one gift after another. ~ John 1:16

KEY IDEA:

God does more and gives more than we can ever realize.

PRAYER:

Thank you, Lord, especially for the gift of your Son Christ Jesus. He came into the world to save us from sin. And that is only a little of what he has done and is doing. Sometimes I wonder why you do so much for us when we are so unable to take it all in. But then I realize it's not all about us -- about me -- but about you and your generous nature. Help me to move away from self-focus and thinking that your generosity is all about making my life better. I want to understand and appreciate as much as I can about your generosity -- so that I can more appropriately honor you. Amen.

Lighting the way

Light shines on the godly, and joy on those whose hearts are right. ~ Psalm 97:11 (NLT

When they (the magi/wisemen) saw the star, they were filled with joy! ~ Matthew 2:10 (NLT)

KEY IDEA:

The Lord provides light that shines the way forward.

PRAYER:

Lord, thank you for lighting the way of both believers and pagan magi. It brings joy to my heart. Forgive me for allowing some darkness in my life to dance around and avoid the light. You show the way but I manage to avoid it. Keep at it. Keep pointing the way. Eventually I'll get it. And my life will not only be filled with joy but will also mirror your light to help others. Amen.

Weakness and Power

The Fourth Sunday of Advent

Who could possibly compare to the Lord our God? God rules from on high; he has to come down to even see heaven and earth! God lifts up the poor from the dirt and raises up the needy from the garbage pile. ~ Psalm 113:5-7 (CEB)

Although he was weak when he was nailed to the cross, he now lives by the power of God. We are weak, just as Christ was. But you will see that we will live by the power of God, just as Christ does. ~ 2 Corinthians 13:4 (CEV)

KEY IDEA:

Christ has assumed our weaknesses in order to raise us up to be with him.

PRAYER:

Lord:

THANKS: I'm grateful that you have made yourself vulnerable so that you can rescue us from our weaknesses -- our sin and immaturity.

REGRETS: I have a warped view of power -- assuming that it always means trampling over bad people -- finding their weaknesses and then trampling them. But you embrace the weakness in order to make us strong.

INTERCESSION: Please keep my desire for power and control in check.

PURPOSE: I want to go about dealing with power in the same way that Christ Jesus my Savior does.

Amen.

God's unconventional ways

I love the Lord because he hears my voice and my prayer for mercy. ~ Psalm 116:1 (NLT)

But the angel said, “Don’t be afraid, Zechariah! God has heard your prayer. Your wife, Elizabeth, will give you a son, and you are to name him John. ~ Luke 1:13 (NLT)

KEY IDEA:

The Lord hears, and responds.

PRAYER:

Lord, I'm so grateful that I can count on you to pay attention to my requests. I confess that I have a lot of preconceived ideas about how you should respond. And I sometimes get angry when your response does not match my expectations. Help me to accept your mercy -- in your way. I'm going to be more open to your unconventional ways and timing. Amen.