Others

Check in on your brothers to see whether they are getting along all right... ~ 1 Samuel 17:18 (MSG)

Titus is my partner, who works with me to serve you. The other two followers are sent by the churches, and they bring honor to Christ. Treat them in such a way that the churches will see your love and will know why we bragged about you. ~ 2 Corinthians 8:23-24 (CEV)

KEY IDEA:

Excell at treating each other well.

PRAYER:

Lord, you have been so good to us. I know that you expect us to pass along your care by looking out for each other. That is easier said than done -- at least for me. I am mostly concerned about myself -- my comfort-level and my well being. Help me to start living beyond myself. I want to serve Christ by caring for those who are important to you. Amen.

Wealth

And if your wealth increases, don’t make it the center of your life. ~ Psalm 62:10 (NLT)

Joseph, called by the apostles “Barnabas” (which means “Son of Comfort”), a Levite born in Cyprus, sold a field that he owned, brought the money, and made an offering of it to the apostles. ~ Acts 4:36-37 (MSG)

KEY IDEA:

Hold onto your wealth loosely so that it doesn't control your life and so you don't hesitate to give it away when there is a need.

PRAYER:

Lord, you are the source of all that we have. Thank you for blessing us with so much. I need to keep my wealth in perspective. Help me to be like Barnabas -- open-handed and generous. I'm looking forward to the joy that comes from giving. Amen.

Supreme being

The Lord your God is supreme over all gods and over all powers. He is great and mighty, and he is to be obeyed. He does not show partiality, and he does not accept bribes. ~ Deuteronomy 10:17 (GNT)

Jesus came and told his disciples, “I have been given all authority in heaven and on earth." ~ Matthew 28:18 (NLT)

KEY IDEA:

Jesus has all the authority of God, who is supreme over all other authorities and beings.

PRAYER:

Almighty God, you are the most powerful being of all. I confess, though, that sometimes I am afraid of spirits and lesser gods. Help me to trust in you and your power. Help me to trust that you are working out your powerful plan and have what is best for me in your mind. Help me to not worry about the spirits and other beings so that I can fully trust in Christ Jesus. He has all authority in heaven and on the earth -- and everywhere in between. Amen.

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.