Strong

But who will be able to endure the day when he comes? Who will be able to survive when he appears? He will be like strong soap, like a fire that refines metal. ~ Malachi 3:2 (GNT)

As you eagerly wait for the return of our Lord Jesus Christ. He will keep you strong to the end so that you will be free from all blame on the day when our Lord Jesus Christ returns. ~ 1 Corinthians 1:7-8 (NLT)

KEY IDEA:

Christ will take care of you until he returns.

PRAYER:

Lord, that is such good news -- that you are going to return -- and that you are keeping me strong until that time. Of course, I'm not always accessing the strength you give me. (You don't force anyone!) But please keep at it. I will eventually get with your program. I mean, I'm a bit slow. But I trust you and I'm going to be ready for you. Amen.

Good God

By my great power and strength I created the world, human beings, and all the animals that live on the earth; and I give it to anyone I choose. ~ Jeremiah 27:5 (GNT)

Every good and perfect gift comes down from the Father who created all the lights in the heavens. He is always the same and never makes dark shadows by changing. ~ James 1:17 (CEV)

KEY IDEA:

God is the source of all that is good -- including creation.

PRAYER:

Good God, my life is full of the gifts that you have sent my way. Perhaps most significantly you have placed me in the midst of a beautiful world full of interesting people and animals -- as well as radiant lights in the sky above. Like most people, I don't fully appreciate the goodness of the creation. I'm an indifferent steward. Grant to me, please, more passion for the creation so that I might better appreciate you. I'm going to live a life of gratitude and responsibility -- until Jesus comes and chooses to relieve me. Amen.

Gifts!

You will have plenty to eat, and you will build good houses to live in… But when all this happens, don’t be proud! ~ Deuteronomy 8:12, 14a (CEV)

What do you have that you were not given? And if it was given to you, how can you brag? ~ 1 Corinthians 4:7b (CEV)

KEY IDEA:

We should not be proud of what we have because it is all a gift from God.

PRAYER:

Lord, I have received more than I can remember from you. And that is part of the problem. I forget and act like all the good that I have is the result of my efforts and my wisdom. That's silly and inappropriate. Forgive me and keep me mindful of the constant flow of your grace into my life. Help me to see all that you are giving to me. I don't want to be proud. I want to be grateful. I say this in the name of Jesus, the greatest gift of all! Amen.

Search for the Lord

The 5th Sunday after Epiphany

From heaven the Lord looks down to see if anyone is wise enough to search for him. ~ Psalm 14:2 (CEV)

Let the wonderful kindness and the understanding that come from our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ help you to keep on growing. Praise Jesus now and forever! Amen. ~ 2 Peter 3:18 (CEV)

KEY IDEA:

Keep on growing in the wisdom that Jesus gives.

PRAYER:

Lord, thank you for keeping an eye on us. And then, even when you see us make mistakes you are gracious with us. Help me to not take your grace for granted. Help me to continue to grow up and out of my sin. I'm going to pour my energy into keeping my eyes on you. Amen.