Freedom from sin

The People of Israel said to God: “We’ve sinned. Do to us whatever you think best, but please, get us out of this!” ~ Judges 10:15 (MSG)

Let us rid ourselves of everything that gets in the way, and of the sin which holds on to us so tightly, and let us run with determination the race that lies before us. ~ Hebrews 12:1b (GNT)

KEY IDEA:

We need to get rid of the sin that holds onto us and which keeps us from running for Jesus at the level he'd like us to compete.

PRAYER:

Lord, thank you for the forgiveness that was given to us through the actions of Christ Jesus. Help me to release the sins which don't just cling to me but which I also hold onto. I need to be free to run for Jesus. Amen.

Prayer

But I pray to you, Lord. So when the time is right, answer me and help me with your wonderful love. ~ Psalm 69:13 (CEB)

If you are having trouble, you should pray. And if you are feeling good, you should sing praises. ~ James 5:13 (CEV)

KEY IDEA:

If we're having trouble we should turn to the Lord because when the time is right he will certainly respond to our prayers.

PRAYER:

Lord, thank you for your wonderful love and your desire to help me. I know that prayer should be my first response to trouble but frequently it is way down on the list after I've tried lots of other things. Prayer has become a last resort rather than a first response. Please retrain my brain so that I look to you first. I know that you answer prayer and I'm seeking to become an habitual prayer. Amen.

The heavens speak

Heaven is declaring God’s glory; the sky is proclaiming his handiwork. ~ Psalm 19:1 (CEB)

While he was coming up out of the water, Jesus saw heaven splitting open and the Spirit, like a dove, coming down on him. And there was a voice from heaven: “You are my Son, whom I dearly love; in you I find happiness.” ~ Mark 1:10-11 (CEB)

KEY IDEA:

Even the heavens reveal what God is up to through his Son Christ Jesus.

PRAYER:

Glory to you, Lord God. Thank you for revealing yourself in Christ Jesus and setting up the heavens to serve as a witness about him. The heavens are not a god but a servant of your generosity and creativity. Remind me to look up. (I get so involved in what I'm doing that I don't take enough time to notice your creation.) Help me to see that whenever I look up even the clouds and the stars are bringing honor to Christ. I want to join them in that work. Amen.

God does not reject his people

I created you to be my servant, and I will never forget you. ~ Isaiah 44:21b (GNT)

So I ask you, has God rejected his people? Absolutely not! ~ Romans 11:1 (CEB)

KEY IDEA:

God does not reject his people

PRAYER:

Thank you, Lord, that we never have to worry about you forgetting us or rejecting us. As it turns out we are the ones who reject you. And I know from my own life that we often do it in subtle ways. With our words, we acknowledge that we serve you. But with our actions, we serve ourselves, our cultures, our families, our desires... Forgive us and please continue to remind us of why you created us. And so by your grace, we are freed from worry. Amen.