Don't give up

God spoke: The rainbow that I have put in the sky will be my sign to you and to every living creature on earth. ~ Genesis 9:13 (CEV)

But you must stay deeply rooted and firm in your faith. You must not give up the hope you received when you heard the good news. It was preached to everyone on earth... ~ Colossians 1:23 (CEV)

KEY IDEA:

Don't give up on God and the hope he gives.

PRAYER:

Lord, sometimes I give up too quickly. I think that things would be better if I were just left alone to fix things by myself. But then I remember that that's how things got so bad in the first place -- people trying to make things work without you. Thank you for your patience with me. Please encourage me when I'm stressed out because things don't seem to be going well. Help me to sink my roots even more deeply into Christ Jesus. I'm going to be one of his solid trees.  Amen.

Ancestor faith

The 7th Sunday after Epiphany

The Lord will be happy to do good things for you, just as he did for your ancestors. ~ Deuteronomy 30:9 (CEV)

I also remember the genuine faith of your mother Eunice. Your grandmother Lois had the same sort of faith, and I am sure that you have it as well. ~ 2 Timothy 1:5 (CEV)

KEY IDEA:

The Lord is happy to bless generations of genuine faith.

PRAYER:

Thank you, Lord, for my parents and their parents -- and all those who went before them cultivating faith in their lives. Sometimes I am so focused on the here and now, that I do not appreciate what you have given to us through the ancestors. I want to become like them -- models of faith for my children and grandchildren and great-grandchildren and... I'm going to live my life with that legacy in mind. Amen.

Chosen

I, the Lord, was ready answer even those who were not asking and to be found by those who were not searching. To a nation that refused to worship me, I said, “Here I am!” ~ Isaiah 65:1 (CEV)

But you are the chosen race, the King's priests, the holy nation, God's own people, chosen to proclaim the wonderful acts of God, who called you out of darkness into his own marvelous light. At one time you were not God's people, but now you are his people; at one time you did not know God's mercy, but now you have received his mercy. ~ 1 Peter 2:9-10 (GNT)

KEY IDEA:

God has chosen us to proclaim his wonderful deeds.

PRAYER:

Lord, even though I'm among those who have only halfheartedly sought you, you still chose us -- chose me -- to share your good news. Thank you for including me and trusting me with responsibility. Empower me to be a faithful messenger. This is my calling. Amen.

Trust in the Lord

Israel, why then do you complain that the Lord doesn't know your troubles or care if you suffer injustice? ~ Isaiah 40:27 (GNT)

So do not throw away this confident trust in the Lord. Remember the great reward it brings you! ~ Hebrews 10:35 (NLT)

KEY IDEA:

Continue to trust in the Lord in order to experience the reward of such faith.

PRAYER:

Lord, you are generous to provide and faithful to your promises. But you don't always do things according to my schedule. You must know more than I know. But I have a hard time admitting that -- after all, it's my life! Forgive my arrogance and impatience. Help me to see enough of what lies ahead so that I remain encouraged. I'm not going to let my troubles distract me or erode my faith -- for you are faithful! Amen.