Pressure

The Fifth Sunday in Lent

I tested you in hard times just as silver is refined in a heated furnace. ~ Isaiah 48:10 (CEV)

Yes, we live under constant danger of death because we serve Jesus, so that the life of Jesus will be evident in our dying bodies. ~ 2 Corinthians 4:11 (NLT)

KEY IDEA:

Living for Jesus means that we are living under pressure. But the pressure is forming us so that the life of Jesus is more evident through us.

PRAYER:

Lord Jesus, I am so grateful for the way that you endured suffering so that we could be saved from sin and its consequences. But I don't really like the idea that I'm going to suffer, too. That scares me. I prefer a more relaxed life with fewer pressures. Help me to more fully embrace your agenda and your way of doing things. No matter what happens I am sure that you have my best interests in mind. I am counting on it. Amen.

Proof

Do what I tell you; live what I tell you. I am God. ~ Leviticus 22:31 (MSG)

The proof that we love God comes when we keep his commandments and they are not at all troublesome. ~ 1 John 5:3 (MSG)

KEY IDEA:

The proof that we truly love God (and that it's not just empty talk) comes when we live the way he tells us to live.

PRAYER:

Loving Lord, thank you for your commandments. They give us directions for healthy living. I confess that I often talk more than I walk the love. I'm good at telling people about how I love you but I treat your commandments like they are a difficult burden. Save me from my shallowness. Give me depth of love -- the depth that produces obedient action. I am depending on the love and gracious action of our Savior Christ Jesus. Amen.

God's authority

You rule over the surging sea: When its waves rise up, it’s you who makes them still. ~ Psalm 89:9 (CEB)

The disciples went and woke him up, shouting, “Master, Master, we’re going to drown!”

When Jesus woke up, he rebuked the wind and the raging waves. Suddenly the storm stopped and all was calm. ~ Luke 8:24 (NLT)

KEY IDEA:

God has authority over even the weather.

PRAYER:

Lord, you are powerful. I know that. But I still worry. I know that I shouldn't, but I keep hearing about crazy weather events, climate change, and rising sea levels. All that uncertainty makes me afraid. Help me to relax in the knowledge that you have the power to calm the storms and raging waves. We're not going to drown because I am trusting you to take charge. Amen.

Obey

Moses said: Do everything that I have commanded you; do not add anything to it or take anything from it. ~ Deuteronomy 12:32 (GNT)

Jesus said to him, “Why do you ask me about what is good? Only God is good. If you want to have eternal life, you must obey his commandments.” ~ Matthew 19:17 (CEV)

KEY IDEA:

It is important to do everything that God tells us to do.

PRAYER:

Thank you, Lord, for giving us instructions. I do a fair job at obeying you. But it is not close to perfect. I'm too full of myself, and that trips me up, because I sometimes think I know better than you. But, of course, that is not accurate or true. Save me from arrogance so I can freely follow your instructions. I want to start living the eternal life. Amen.