Unhealthy desires

Do not crave your neighbor’s house, field, male or female servant, ox, donkey, or anything else that belongs to your neighbor. ~ Deuteronomy 5:21 (CEB)

Then Jesus said to them, “Watch out! Guard yourself against all kinds of greed. After all, one’s life isn’t determined by one’s possessions, even when someone is very wealthy.” ~ Luke 12:15 (CEB)

KEY IDEA:

Greed will destroy your life.

PRAYER:

Lord, I thank you for providing everything that I need. I don't know why it is that in spite of your generosity I still pursue more -- sometimes even things which are harmful to me and others. I am in need of your intervention to calm my desires for that which is unhealthy. I'm going to trust you to get involved. Amen.

Serve him whole-heartedly

Just fear the Lord and serve him faithfully with all your heart. Look at what great things he has done for you! ~ 1 Samuel 12:24 (CEB)

He shows mercy to everyone, from one generation to the next, who honors him as God. ~ Luke 1:50 (CEB)

KEY IDEA:

The Lord is especially kind to those who whole-heartedly serve him.

PRAYER:

Lord, you are worthy of all honor, recognition, and whole-hearted service. I know, though, that my worship and service to you is often half-hearted. Yet, you are still kind to me. You have done a lot for me. And I really do want to serve you better. Help me to do that. I want to be a part of the unbroken generational chain that lives to honor you -- and only you. Amen.

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.