We'll see

Just as the heavens are higher than the earth, my thoughts and my ways are higher than yours. ~ Isaiah 55:9 (CEV)

We’ll see it all then, see it all as clearly as God sees us, knowing him directly just as he knows us! ~ 1 Corinthians 13:12 (MSG)

KEY IDEA:

Our understanding of life is limited now but when we are in the direct presence of God we will see things through his eyes.

PRAYER:

All knowing God, I appreciate it that even though you know me deeply you still choose to be a friend. I have so many weaknesses and dark places in my life -- most of which I am unaware. I want to grow out of this limitation and to enjoy the fullness of your perspective. But I know that will only come according to your timing. Grant me patience until then. Yet at the same time keep me from becoming spiritually lazy. I'm looking forward to the clearer vision that comes with being united to Christ Jesus. Amen.

Don't give up

The Lord All-Powerful will destroy the power of death and wipe away all tears. No longer will his people be insulted everywhere. The Lord has spoken! ~ Isaiah 25:8 (CEV)

Let your hope make you glad. Be patient in time of trouble and never stop praying. ~ Romans 12:12 (CEV)

KEY IDEA:

Don't give up.

PRAYER:

Gracious Lord, thank you for taking away my disgrace. Let me not be discouraged. Instead, let me trust in you in my despair and suffering. Lift me from this dejected place. Renew my hope. Restore my joy. Give me patience in suffering. Help me persevere in prayer. May all glory be to you, my Savior. Amen. (Daiy Texts, Mount Carmel Ministries edition)

His righteousness

He suffered and endured great pain for us, but we thought his suffering was punishment from God. ~ Isaiah 53:4 (CEV)

Christ was without sin, but for our sake God made him share our sin in order that in union with him we might share the righteousness of God. ~ 2 Corinthians 5:21 (GNT)

KEY IDEA:

Jesus' great sacrifice resets our relationship with God.

PRAYER:

Thank you, gracious Father, for sending Jesus to be the go-between that fixes our relationship. It was never a problem on your end, but we were doing our own thing. And I confess that I still, too often, do my own thing and function in my own way. So I am replying on the righteousness of Jesus that forms the basis of our relationship. My goal is to let that righteousness remake me so that I become very Jesus-like. Amen.

Angry God?

A day is coming when people will sing, "I praise you, Lord! You were angry with me, but now you comfort me and are angry no longer." ~ Isaiah 12:1 (GNT)

God didn’t set us up for an angry rejection but for salvation by our Master, Jesus Christ. ~ 1 Thessalonians 5:9 (MSG)

KEY IDEA:

We don't relate to the Lord as an angry God who needs to be made happy, but as the loving and generous God who sets us up to receive the gift of his salvation.

PRAYER:

Lord, thank you, for you are loving and kind. I don't know how it is that I'm so afraid of you. Somehow I've gotten the idea that you are in a constant state of anger -- except when I do something good -- and you stop being angry with me for a few minutes. That is not only bad theology but it is insulting to you. Thank you for your understanding and your willingness to work with dense people like me. With your help I'm hoping to learn to live in your love. Amen.