Lasting words

Lord God, you are truly God! Your words are trustworthy... ~ 2 Samuel 7:28 (CEB)

The sky and the earth won’t last forever, but my words will. ~ Luke 21:33 (CEV)

KEY IDEA:

God's reliable words last forever.

PRAYER:

Lord, we live in a world where people's words are not worth much. They say things they don't mean or make promises they cannot possibly keep. But you and your words are totally trustworthy. We can count on you. Forgive me when I'm prone to gravitate toward less reliable words -- even though I know deep inside that they can't be trusted. I'm going to note, learn, and inwardly digest your words so that I might become a mature, convinced, and convincing follower of Christ Jesus. Amen.

Peace and Reconciliation

I am going to make a solemn promise to you and to everyone who will live after you. This includes the birds and the animals that came out of the boat. I promise every living creature that the earth and those living on it will never again be destroyed by a flood. ~ Genesis 9:9-11 (CEV)

And he has given us the work of sharing his message about peace. ~ 2 Corinthians 5:19 (CEV)

KEY IDEA:

God would rather make peace with his enemies than destroy them.

PRAYER:

Thank you, Lord, for the peace and reconciliation that was established through Christ Jesus. Thank you for entrusting that message of peace and reconciliation to your church. Although, sometimes it seems that we have not fully grasped something so basic. We (and I include myself) fight with those who have different opinions. We only fellowship with people of equal standing. We prefer to blast our enemies than to establish relationships. It seems like we behave in the complete opposite of what you've done. I'm glad that you're not going to flood us out. We deserve flood waters. But I am trusting in the peace and reconciliation of Christ to carry me through. And I am hoping that such will begin to characterize my life. Please make it so in the name of Jesus. Amen.

The Jesus Diet

Taste and see how good the Lord is! The one who takes refuge in him is truly happy! ~ Psalm 34:8 (CEB)

But now here is Bread that truly comes down out of heaven. Anyone eating this Bread will not die, ever. I am the Bread—living Bread!—who came down out of heaven. Anyone who eats this Bread will live—and forever! The Bread that I present to the world so that it can eat and live is myself, this flesh-and-blood self. ~ John 6:51 (MSG)

KEY IDEA:

The Lord Jesus is the spiritual nourishment that we need in order to truly live!

PRAYER:

Lord, thank you for coming in order to give us life -- life that is so good that it never ends. I've tasted it and I'm grateful -- even though I still eat some junk food at times. I need to kick the spiritual junk food habit. I need your help -- please. I want you to live on the Jesus diet -- without anything else. Amen.

Wisdom, knowledge, and understanding

The Lord gives wisdom; from his mouth come knowledge and understanding. ~ Proverbs 2:6 (CEB)

Then Jesus returned to Galilee, filled with the Holy Spirit’s power. Reports about him spread quickly through the whole region. He taught regularly in their synagogues and was praised by everyone. ~ Luke 3:14-15 (NLT)

KEY IDEA:

Jesus speaks with impressive wisdom and understanding.

PRAYER:

Lord Jesus, when you explained God's message people were praising you. Thank you for sharing your wisdom. Sometimes I don't really listen closely. That is a shame. Help me to note, learn, and inwardly digest your words so that I might become a mature, convinced, and convincing follower. This is my goal. Amen.