Friends of God

The Lord has filled my heart with joy; how happy I am because of what he has done! ~ 1 Samuel 2:1 (GNT)

I’m no longer calling you servants because servants don’t understand what their master is thinking and planning. No, I’ve named you friends because I’ve let you in on everything I’ve heard from the Father. ~ John 15:15 (MSG)

KEY IDEA:

God has initiated a friendship with us.

PRAYER:

Thank you, Lord, for reaching out to me -- for counting me as a friend -- even though I'm not always loyal or friendly. Yet, through Jesus you reveal yourself and what is important to you. And I really do want to please you more than anything else. So the friend thing must be working. Please help me to grow closer to you. I want to be a faithful friend. Amen.

Promise-Keeper

I remember the agreement I made with you when you were young, and so I will make you a promise that will last forever. ~ Ezekiel 16:60 (CEV)

This promise is for you and your children. It is for everyone our Lord God will choose, no matter where they live. ~ Acts 2:39 (CEV)

KEY IDEA:

God is a promise-keeper and his promises continue to expand.

PRAYER:

Lord, thank you for including me -- and people like me in your promises.You are both generous and faithful. Too often, though, I am doubtful -- especially when I see the stupid things that people do. I do not feel optimistic when I see those things. But I am hopeful when I remember your promises. Help me to remember more and keep my focus on those things rather than on what people promise. They are full of lies. But I'm going to live full of hope because I'm going to remember your promises. Amen.

Death is forever doomed

The Sovereign Lord will destroy death forever! ~ Isaiah 25:8 (GNT)

But thank God! He gives us victory over sin and death through our Lord Jesus Christ. ~ 1 Corinthians 15:57 (NLT)

KEY IDEA:

The Lord is victorious over death and everything associated with it.

PRAYER:

Victorious God, you win! Death is doomed. And so it no longer controls us. Even though I will likely have to experience death, as Christ did, it will not be the final word. I'm so thankful for the new resurrection life initiated by Jesus. And even though I don't let this reality penetrate all my daily activities, I am still convinced it is true. Please push this hope deeper into my heart and my actions. I want to share this extraordinarily good news with everyone. Amen.

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!