More than promised

But God was gracious and showed mercy to them. He stuck with them out of respect for his covenant with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. He never gave up on them, never even considered discarding them, even to this day. ~ 2 Kings 13:23 (MSG)

If you belong to Christ, then you are the descendants of Abraham and will receive what God has promised. ~ Galatians 3:29 (GNT)

KEY IDEA:

Christ has made us children of Abraham -- and heirs of the promises made to him.

PRAYER:

Lord, you have been faithful to your word for generations and generations. You even give more than you have promised by including us as heirs of the promises made to Abraham -- all compliments of your Son Christ Jesus. I need more faith so that I can live up to my calling as an heir of your promises -- and your grace. Please help me with that. Amen.

God's mercy and suffering

The Lord is merciful and will not reject us forever. He may bring us sorrow, but his love for us is sure and strong. ~ Lamentations 3:31-32 (GNT)

But God shows undeserved kindness to everyone. That’s why he appointed Christ Jesus to choose you to share in his eternal glory. You will suffer for a while, but God will make you complete, steady, strong, and firm. ~ 1 Peter 5:10 (CEV)

KEY IDEA:

God's love for us is sure and strong -- even if there is suffering.

PRAYER:

Thank you, Lord, for your love. I admit, though, that I am afraid. I don't want to suffer. Save me from suffering. Or at least use your love to redeem the suffering and sorrow I experience. I'm going to trust that you will render me complete, steady, strong, and firm -- no matter what happens. Amen.

The light of Christ

The 11th Sunday after Pentecost

Thus may all God’s enemies perish, while his lovers be like the unclouded sun. ~ Judges 5:31 (MSG)

You yourselves used to be in the darkness, but since you have become the Lord's people, you are in the light. So you must live like people who belong to the light... ~ Ephesians 5:8 (GNT)

KEY IDEA:

Our exposure to the light of the Lord makes us shine like him.

PRAYER:

Lord, I'm thankful for the light of Christ who has come into the world to shine. I confess that I worry about all the darkness in the world. I want to trust that your light will outshine it. But at times I have doubts. Help me to trust you more so that I can shine with the light of Christ. Amen.

Living life-giving hope

Your sun will never go down, your moon will never fade. I will be your eternal light. Your days of grieving are over. ~ Isaiah 60:20 (MSG)

Let us give thanks to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! Because of his great mercy he gave us new life by raising Jesus Christ from death. This fills us with a living hope... ~ 1 Peter 1:3 (GNT)

KEY IDEA:

Christ Jesus is our living life-giving hope!

PRAYER:

Merciful and faithful God -- thank you for the promises. Thank you for the hope. I deserately need hope in my life. I need something significant to look forward to. Sometimes I allow the despair of the world to get to me. I act as though I have to fix everything because it all revolves around me. Rekindle your living hope in me so that I can trust you for a bright future in the presence of Christ Jesus. Amen.