Good and generous

And I gave them my Sabbath days of rest as a sign between them and me… ~ Ezekiel 20:12a (NLT)

Through the power of the Holy Spirit who lives within us, carefully guard the precious truth that has been entrusted to you. ~ 2 Timothy 1:14 (NLT)

KEY IDEA:

God entrusts his precious gifts to us.

PRAYER:

Thank you, Lord, for trusting me with so much of your goodness. You give me the gift of rest, the truth of your message, and the empowering presence of your Holy Spirit. And even though I don't take full advantage of all that you put into my care, I'm grateful. I know that you fully understand my weaknesses. I'm not making an excuse for my shortcomings but I am stating the obvious -- anticipating your grace. You are so good and generous. Amen.

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.