Refreshed living

Palm Sunday

I will pour out water upon thirsty ground and streams upon dry land. I will pour out my spirit upon your descendants and my blessing upon your offspring. ~ Isaiah 44:3 (CEB)

But when the chief priests and legal experts saw the amazing things he was doing and the children shouting in the temple, “Hosanna to the Son of David!” they were angry. They said to Jesus, “Do you hear what these children are saying?”

“Yes,” he answered. “Haven’t you ever read, From the mouths of babies and infants you’ve arranged praise for yourself? ~ Matthew 21:15-16 (CEB)

KEY IDEA:

Through Jesus, God is pouring out refreshment on even the simplest of people.

PRAYER:

Thank you, Jesus, for the way that you are refreshing my life. Even when I act like a cranky religious person you're still sending fresh rain on me. Help me to be more like the rejoicing people who freely praise you. I want to live the refreshed life that honors Jesus as king. Amen!

Caring

You drink all the wine you want and wear expensive perfume, but you don’t care about the ruin of your nation. ~ Amos 6:6 (CEV)

You obey the law of Christ when you offer each other a helping hand. ~ Galatians 6:2 (CEV)

KEY IDEA:

When we care for others in practical ways we are living according to the way of Jesus.

PRAYER:

Kind God, thank you for caring so much that you sent your Son into the world to intervene on our behalf. I wish that I was consistent in the way that I care for people, too. But my wealth tends to make me blind to the needs of others. I want to care but the world expects someone like me to live in a certain way. Help me break my addiction to pleasure and comfort. Help me to care like Jesus. That's my goal. Amen.

God causes growth

Those who have been replanted in the Lord’s house will spring up in the courtyards of our God. They will bear fruit even when old and gray; they will remain lush and fresh. ~ Psalm 92:13-14 (CEB)

May the Lord make your love for one another and for all people grow more and more... ~1 Thessalonians 3:12 (GNT)

KEY IDEA:

Those who are planted in the Lord will continue to grow indefinitely.

PRAYER:

Lord Jesus, thank you for transplanting me into your garden, where I can be near you and receive your care. I'm sorry that I sometimes think things are nicer outside your garden. There is no good reason for that. I'm not even unhappy with where you have planted me. But my eyes wander and my desires grow. Keep me rooted and growing in you. I want to be lush and green -- bearing lots of love fruit for everyone. Amen.

Presence and presents

Let us live in awe of the Lord our God, for he gives us rain each spring and fall, assuring us of a harvest when the time is right. ~ Jeremiah 5:24 (NLT)

God sends rain from heaven and makes your crops grow. He gives food to you and makes your hearts glad. ~ Acts 14:17 (CEV)

KEY IDEA:

The many good things that happen give us evidence of God's existence and his generous involvement in our lives.

PRAYER:

Thank you, Lord, for the rain that falls -- for the food that grows -- for the joy that I have in spite of the chaos in the world. I don't doubt your existence or your involvement. Sometimes I don't act like I believe but that is because I'm full of self and allow myself to get distracted. Help me to tune into your presence and your presents. I'm going to live in awe of you. Amen.