Gifts from God

The 2nd Sunday after Epiphany

The Lord was with Joseph and made him successful in all that he did. ~ Genesis 39:23 (CEV)

We don’t have the right to claim that we have done anything on our own. God gives us what it takes to do all that we do. ~ 2 Corinthians 3:5 (CEV)

KEY IDEA:

The Lord is behind all that is going well for us.

PRAYER:

Lord, thank you for being here for me. I am too eager, though, to take credit for all that is working out in my life. Even if I don't say anything I am inclined to think that I'm very clever and wiser than the average person. I make the most of the opportunities that come my way. Yet, you are the one behind the opportunities. You are the one who gives me the energy to respond to them. You are the one who is behind all that is successful in my life. Grant me the humility to recognize this. I want to honor you for all that you do for me. In the name of Jesus Christ my Savior, I pray, Amen.

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.