Freedom and forgiveness

God called to the Man: “Where are you?”

He said, “I heard you in the garden and I was afraid because I was naked. And I hid.” ~ Genesis 3:9-10 (MSG)

Now that we are his children, God has sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts. And his Spirit tells us that God is our Father. ~ Galatians 4:6 (CEV)

KEY IDEA:

God our Father keeps an eye out for his people.

PRAYER:

Heavenly Father, I'm grateful for your parental care -- even if sometimes I feel like you watch me too closely. I like my independence. And I know that you want me to have some responsible independence. But I'm just like Adam; when I mess up I try to hide rather than deal with the issue. Save me from my sin and my shame. Empower me to be open and forthcoming. For your Son, Christ Jesus has made a way for forgiveness and freedom. Amen.

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.