Care for the poor

The righteous know the rights of the poor, but the wicked don’t understand. ~ Proverbs 29:7a (CEB)

Right now you have plenty and can help those who are in need. ~ 2 Corinthians 8:14a (NLT)

KEY IDEA:

Caring about those in need is a fundamental dimension of our relationship with God.

PRAYER:

Lord, I am in many ways a needy person. And yet you care about me. I'm so thankful that you're not just interested in rich and successful people. I confess that it is so easy to care about important people who have lots of money. That happens all the time in our world. And it makes me want to be "successful" so that people will pay attention to me. But I know that this is not how you think or operate. I am asking that you would refresh my mind so that it remembers to care for the poor. I want to be like my Savior and Lord Christ Jesus. He spent his life attending to the needy. It is in his name that I pray. Amen.

Good

How terrible it will be for people who call good things bad and bad things good, who think darkness is light and light is darkness... ~ Isaiah 5:20a (NCV)

For God called you to do good, even if it means suffering, just as Christ suffered for you. He is your example, and you must follow in his steps. He never sinned, nor ever deceived anyone. ~ 1 Peter 2:21-22 (NLT)

KEY IDEA:

We need to keep the goal of doing good in sight -- no matter what happens.

PRAYER:

Lord,

THANKS: I'm grateful for the way that you are good and have done so much that is good for me.

REGRETS: I don't always value good as the purpose. I sometimes see it as a means to get what I really want.

INTERCESSION: I need your help in rearranging my priorities. Help me to see the bigger picture and how good fits in.

PURPOSE: I'm going to live up to my calling -- no matter what happens.

Amen.

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.