Sing!

Let my tongue sing about your word, for all your commands are right. ~ Psalm 119:172 (NLT)

Let the Word of Christ—the Message—have the run of the house. Give it plenty of room in your lives. Instruct and direct one another using good common sense. And sing, sing your hearts out to God! ~ Colossians 3:16 (MSG)

KEY IDEA:

The message of Christ is worth an unending song. So sing it!

PRAYER:

Lord, thank you for the song that comes from my mouth as I live my life in harmony with your message. I confess, though, that I don't sing it enough. There is so much music out there that I get distracted. Help me to tune into your message so that it forms the foundation for the only song I sing. I'm going to sing, sing my heart out to you! Amen!

Blessings

The Lord bless you and protect you. ~ Numbers 6:24 (CEB)

You were called to do this so that you might inherit a blessing. ~ 1 Peter 3:9b (CEB)

KEY IDEA:

The Lord is looking for ways to bless his people because that is the kind of God he is.

PRAYER:

Thank you so much, Lord, for all the blessings that you have extended to me. I am troubled by the fact that I'm quicker to make a list of all the things I think you should bless me with than I am to list all the blessings you have already given to me. Help me to count the blessings -- and not just every once in awhile but day by day -- moment by moment. I'm going to revel in your generosity -- starting with the blessing of a living hope that is ours through the resurrection of Christ Jesus from the dead. Amen.

No fighting

The 2nd Sunday in Advent

Abram said to Lot, “Let’s not have fighting between us, between your shepherds and my shepherds. After all, we’re family. ~ Genesis 13:8 (MSG)

What we have is one body with many parts, each its proper size and in its proper place. ~ 1 Corinthians 12:20 (MSG)

KEY IDEA:

Our differences as unique members of the body of Christ should be seen as a good thing and not reason to fight.

PRAYER:

Lord God -- you are one -- even though you are three Trinitarian persons. And you are in total harmony together. I pray that we as siblings of Christ might get along with each other in the same way that you in the Trinity get along with one another. Even though I'm quick to jump into a fight I know that you desire something different from me. Help me to acknowledge the wonder of many diverse parts so that we can better reflect who you are. Amen.

Humility and change

The Lord... is kind to everyone who is humble. ~ Proverbs 3:34b (CEV)

You must have the same attitude that Christ Jesus had. ~ Philippians 2:5 (NLT)

KEY IDEA:

Jesus' followers need to reflect his humble approach to life in their own lives.

PRAYER:

Lord, I'm grateful that you are so approachable -- and that you have invited us to be a part of your life and mission. I fall short in the humility department. I'm inclined to make most everything about me and my life. But I know that I need to change so I am again seeking your intervention. Help me to become who I must be. I'm confident that with your help I can embrace the same mindset that Jesus had. Amen.