Stop worrying

When they breathe their last, they return to the earth, and all their plans die with them. ~ Psalm 146:4 (NLT)

Can any of you live a bit longer by worrying about it? ~ Matthew 6:27 (GNT)

KEY IDEA:

All our plans eventually vaporize. So trust God and quite worrying.

PRAYER:

Lord, you are totally trustworthy and I appreciate that. I confess, though, that I don't always trust you. I enjoy worrying because it makes me feel like I can come up with a lasting solution to an overwhelming problem. Please grant me the humility to stop worrying. I'm going to look to you for solutions and not fret when I can't see what you are doing. Amen.

Jesus freak!

The first Sunday after Epiphany

I’ll raise up a prophet for them from among their fellow Israelites—one just like you. I’ll put my words in his mouth, and he will tell them everything I command him. ~ Deuteronomy 18:18 (CEB)

Philip went and found Nathanael and told him, “We’ve found the One Moses wrote of in the Law, the One preached by the prophets. It’s Jesus, Joseph’s son, the one from Nazareth!” ~ John 1:45 (MSG)

KEY IDEA:

Jesus is the one we've been expecting.

PRAYER:

Lord God, thank you for sending your Son Jesus into our world to speak and act-out your plan for us. I confess that I don't pay enough attention to Jesus. I've become an expert in religious matters that touch on Jesus but am not totally consumed with him. I need to become singularly focused on Jesus so that everything else will come into focus. I want to become a Jesus freak this year. Amen.

The light of Jesus

Epiphany

“Look! Your God!” Look at him! God, the Master, comes in power, ready to go into action. He is going to pay back his enemies and reward those who have loved him. ~ Isaiah 40:10 (MSG)

Through the heartfelt mercies of our God, God’s Sunrise will break in upon us, Shining on those in the darkness, those sitting in the shadow of death... ~ Luke 1:78-79 (MSG)

KEY IDEA:

God will make things right when he comes.

PRAYER:

Merciful God, I am most grateful for the way that you sent your Son Jesus to intervene in human history and to begin the peace process. Save me from the worry of dark days. I know that I need to trust that your sunrise will roll around and that your light will clear things up. I'm going to live for the light of Jesus. Amen.

Help for the problems

When I asked for your help, you answered my prayer and gave me courage. ~ Psalm 138:3 (CEV)

But God shows undeserved kindness to everyone. That’s why he appointed Christ Jesus to choose you to share in his eternal glory. You will suffer for a while, but God will make you complete, steady, strong, and firm. ~ 1 Peter 5:10 (CEV)

KEY IDEA:

Through Christ God gives his people the inner strength they need to face the challenges that come their way.

PRAYER:

Again, Lord, thank you that you give us what we need to face the problems. I confess, though, that even when you encourage and strengthen me I am slow to accept the help. Sometimes I like to flounder about pretending that I can handle the problems on my own. Please give me the wisdom and humility to receive your help. I'm going to see the problems as an opportunity to rely more on you. Amen.