Call out to Jesus

Good Friday

Don’t let the excitement of youth cause you to forget your Creator. Honor him in your youth before you grow old and say, “Life is not pleasant anymore.” ~ Ecclesiastes 12:1 (NLT)

Then one of the criminals being crucified next to Jesus said to him, “Remember me when your kingdom comes together and you are in power.” ~ Luke 23:42 (ABP)

KEY IDEA:

Call out to the Lord Jesus while you can.

PRAYER:

Lord, thank you for being with us in the good times and the bad times. I worry when I think that things will not get better for me -- maybe even worse. So I want to acknowledge you and serve you while I'm in good health and have a good mind. Your sacrifice shows me again of how worthy of honor and recognition you are. Amen.

Jesus saves!

Maundy Thursday

Save your people, Lord God! Don’t let foreign nations make jokes about us. ~ Joel 2:17 (CEV)

Here is the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world! ~ John 1:29 (CEV)

KEY IDEA:

Jesus is the one who saves us.

PRAYER:

Lord, thank you for sending Jesus to save us. Sometimes I don't act very "saved" but I know that when you look at me you see Jesus. I know that I am forgiven. Help me to live like a saved person. I'm going to live confidently because of Jesus. Amen.

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.