Gratitude

The First Day of the Spring Semester at PIU

…About this same time, Hezekiah got sick and was almost dead. He prayed, and the Lord gave him a sign that he would recover. But Hezekiah was so proud that he refused to thank the Lord for everything he had done for him. ~ 2 Chronicles 32:24-25a CEV)

“Go home to your own people,” Jesus said (to the man he had healed), “and tell them what the Lord has done for you and how he has shown you mercy.” ~ Mark 5:19 (CEB)

KEY IDEA:

We need to acknowledge the mercy that the Lord has extended to us.

PRAYER:

Thank you, Lord, for all the ways that you have shown mercy to my family and me. We have experienced undeserved healing and forgiveness. We have had many wonderful experiences. I can easily get caught up in enjoying the good things that have happened and forget to thank you. So, I am asking you to give me a thankful heart. My desire is to ooze genuine gratitude from my life. Amen.

Only one God

The First Sunday after Epiphany

You must not use gold or silver to make idols for yourselves; do not worship these gods in addition to me. ~ Exodus 20:23 (NCV)

Finally, the devil took Jesus up on a very high mountain and showed him all the kingdoms on earth and their power. The devil said to him, “I will give all this to you, if you will bow down and worship me.”
Jesus answered, “Go away Satan! The Scriptures say:
‘Worship the Lord your God and serve only him.’” ~ Matthew 4:8-10 (CEV)

KEY IDEA:

We need to be careful so that we don't end up worshiping fake gods instead of or alongside the one real God.

PRAYER:

All glory to you, Lord! You are the only one worthy of our attention and recognition. And while I would never have an idol made from silver or gold, it's easy for me to give too much attention to silver and gold. Like many others I'm in danger of worshiping wealth -- the kind of security money can buy. Please steer me clear of such danger. I want to give you my complete and undivided attention. In the name of Jesus I pray. Amen.

Foundation

The stone rejected by the builders is now the main foundation stone! This has happened because of the Lord; it is astounding in our sight! ~ Psalm 118:22-23 (CEB)

For no one can lay any foundation other than the one we already have—Jesus Christ. ~ 1 Corinthians 3:11 (NLT)

KEY IDEA:

Christ Jesus himself is the only foundation for a life in harmony with the Lord.

PRAYER:

Lord, thank you for making sure that a solid foundation has been laid. I confess, though, that I often try to build my life on fads and trends rather than on Jesus himself. I know more about Star Wars than about my Savior. Help me to establish myself on the right foundation. I'm not going to take building short-cuts. Amen.

Justice and Peace!

Epiphany

The boots of all those invading troops, along with their shirts soaked with innocent blood, Will be piled in a heap and burned, a fire that will burn for days! ~ Isaiah 9:5 (MSG)

With the loving mercy of our God, a new day from heaven will dawn upon us... It will guide us into the path of peace. ~ Luke 1:78-79 (NCV)

KEY IDEA:

As the Lord establishes justice he makes a way of peace for us to travel.

PRAYER:

Lord, making peace and justice seems impossible to my way of thinking. But being that you are loving and merciful it starts to make sense. As a matter of fact I am counting on your love and mercy to see me through. Without your kindness I would not stand a chance. Help me to start to see things your way so that I can speak up for Jesus -- who is both the advocate for justice and peace. Re-frame my thinking so that your love and mercy defines it all. I pray this in the name of Jesus -- my Lord and Savior. Amen.