God rules in mysterious ways

But the God who rules from heaven can explain mysteries. ~ Daniel 2:28a (CEV)

Jesus replied, “The Kingdom of God can’t be detected by visible signs. You won’t be able to say, ‘Here it is!’ or ‘It’s over there!’ For the Kingdom of God is already among you.” ~ Luke 17:20b-21 (NLT)

KEY IDEA:

God rules in mysterious ways.

PRAYER:

God Almighty -- You rule over the mysteries of all that exists. Sometimes I think I've figured out more about your kingdom than you've revealed. There is no way that way of thinking will work out well. Help me to focus more on living out the aspects of your kingdom which you have already revealed. I want to be a solid citizen of the Kingdom of God. Amen.

Continue to follow

Caleb said to Joshua: "My brothers who went with me frightened the people from entering the Promised Land. For my part, I wholeheartedly followed the Lord my God." ~ Joshua 14:8 (NLT)

By holding fast, you will gain your lives. ~ Luke 21:19 (CEB)

KEY IDEA:

If we continue to follow the Lord we will gain the reward.

PRAYER:

Lord, thank you for your unwavering faithfulness to your word. You really do save those who stick with you through both the good and the frightening times. You know that sometimes I get swallowed by fear. That's not very faithful. Help me to hold fast -- to remain unphased while under fire. I'm going to push through and follow you. Amen.

Hope

God will continue to honor his covenant forever -- he remembers the commitment he made a thousand generations ago. ~ Psalm 105:8 (ABP)

Such things were written in the Scriptures long ago to teach us. And the Scriptures give us hope and encouragement as we wait patiently for God’s promises to be fulfilled. ~ Romans 15:4 (NLT)

KEY IDEA:

We can wait patiently because we can count on God to keep his word.

PRAYER:

Thank you, Lord, for being faithful and keeping your promises. Still, I worry about the future because I see how much evil there is in the present. I get discouraged and let hope slip away. I need to stop doing that and to focus more on your faithfulness. Help me to do that. I'm going to find hope and encouragement in the scriptures. Amen.

Success

The 3rd Sunday of Advent

Not long before David died, he told Solomon:

My son, I will soon die, as everyone must. But I want you to be strong and brave. Do what the Lord your God commands and follow his teachings. Obey everything written in the Law of Moses. Then you will be a success, no matter what you do or where you go.

~ 1 Kings 2:1-3 (CEV)

We have not stopped praying for you since the first day we heard about you. In fact, we always pray that God will show you everything he wants you to do and that you may have all the wisdom and understanding that his Spirit gives. Then you will live a life that honors the Lord, and you will always please him by doing good deeds. You will come to know God even better. ~ Colossians 1:9-10 (CEV)

KEY IDEA:

Success in life is defined as doing the will of God.

PRAYER:

Gracious Father, I'm grateful because you have provided a way for all your children to experience success. But I am not as successful as I could be. I do follow your law and your wisdom -- sort of. But I am casual about living a life that honors you. Don't give up on me. Keep nudging me along and giving me reasons to trust. I'm going to be successful -- as you define success. Amen.