Think about what God says

All night long I lie awake, to meditate on your instructions. ~ Psalm 119:148 (GNT)

Mary remembered all these things and thought deeply about them. ~ Luke 2:19 (GNT)

KEY IDEA:

It is valuable to spend time thinking deeply about what God says.

PRAYER:

Thank you, dear Lord, for your Word -- your instructions -- your message that renews our lives. I am too casual about your Word. I don't give it enough space in my mind. Help me to become more focused on meditating on your Word so that your insights become a part of who I am. I'm going to listen, think on, and obey your instructions. Amen.

The safety of God's love

They’ll see that you take care of the poor, that you take care of poor people in trouble, provide a warm, dry place in bad weather, provide a cool place when it’s hot. Brutal oppressors are like a winter blizzard and vicious foreigners like high noon in the desert. But you, shelter from the storm and shade from the sun, shut the mouths of the big-mouthed bullies. ~ Isaiah 25:4 (MSG)

Can anything separate us from the love of Christ? Can trouble, suffering, and hard times, or hunger and nakedness, or danger and death?.. In everything we have won more than a victory because of Christ who loves us. ~ Romans 8:35, 37 (CEV)

KEY IDEA:

Relax! Our loving Lord is on the side of the distressed.

PRAYER:

Lord, you and your love are incredible. There is nothing more powerful than the love of Christ. I admit that sometimes I get discouraged when I see how things are going in the world. Help me to return my mind to the safety of your love. I'm going to bask in the victory of Christ rather than the hardships generated by the world system. Amen.

Teacher and Lord

I will honor those who honor me, and I will treat with contempt those who despise me. ~ 1 Samuel 2:30b (GNT)

Jesus says: You call me your teacher and Lord, and you should, because that is who I am. ~ John 13:13 (CEV)

KEY IDEA:

Focus on honoring the Lord Jesus.

PRAYER:

You, Lord, are the one worthy of honor and recognition. Thank you for including me in your world and letting a little of your honor rub off on me. Help me to keep all of that in focus. I need to make sure that it is always just about you -- and not me. I need your help with this. You are my only teacher and Lord. Amen.

Faithful ancestors

The Second Sunday in Lent

This is what the Lord says: “Stop at the crossroads and look around. Ask for the old, godly way, and walk in it. Travel its path, and you will find rest for your souls.
But you reply, ‘No, that’s not the road we want!’ ~ Jeremiah 6:16 (NLT)

Follow the example of the ones who inherit the promises through faith and patience. ~ Hebrews 6:12b CEB)

KEY IDEA:

We would benefit if we followed the example of our faithful ancestors -- those who patiently walked on the Lord's pathway.

PRAYER:

Lord, I'm grateful for the example of all the faithful followers of Jesus who have gone before us. Sometimes I drift around on the pathway and will occasionally stray from it. Forgive me, and encourage me by showing me examples of faith. I want to become a faithful example, too. Amen.