New

I will give them a new heart and a new mind. ~ Ezekiel 11:19a (GNT)

Anyone who is joined to Christ is a new being; the old is gone, the new has come. ~ 2 Corinthians 5:17 (GNT)

KEY IDEA:

Christ is making everything new and if we are joined to him that newness starts to happen in us, too.

PRAYER:

Lord God, it is so exciting to hear about how you are remaking creation -- that it will all be new. Thank you for including people in this newness. I need a new heart and a new mind that will be focused exclusively on serving you. I need all the old to be gone because there is still some of the old life that is clinging to me. But I am going to claim the new life for myself and trust that you will continue the process of making me into a completely new Christ-like being. Amen.

Waiting patiently

The 4th Sunday after Epiphany

Wait patiently for the Lord. Be brave and courageous. Yes, wait patiently for the Lord. ~ Psalm 27:14 (NLT)

You remember how patient Job was and how the Lord finally helped him. The Lord did this because he is so merciful and kind. ~ James 5:11b (CEV)
KEY IDEA:

It's worth waiting patiently for the Lord will deliever.

PRAYER:

Mercifcul and kind God, for centuries your people waited for the Messiah who would break the back of death as he started the resurrection movement. Thank you for sending him at just the right time. There are lots of things I'm waiting for. I am not always so patient or brave in my waiting. I am easily discouraged. Help me to see Jesus as my not only the hope of the world but also my hope -- the one who will deliver -- the one who cause everything I am going through to make sense. I am going to wait patiently for you. Amen.

The Life

I know that your goodness and love will be with me all my life; and your house will be my home as long as I live. ~ Psalm 23:6 (GNT)

I am telling you the truth: those who hear my words and believe in him who sent me have eternal life. They will not be judged, but have already passed from death to life. ~ John 5:24 (GNT)

KEY IDEA:

Living with the Lord is living THE life!

PRAYER:

Lord, you are relentless. You don't give up in your effort to make for us the life we were intended to live. You have even sacrificed your own Son so that we could live. Lord, I do believe in you -- although it is weak belief. Keep sending your words my direction so that my faith will grow stronger and I will realize how wonderful the life you've given to me actually is. Amen.

No rejection

“(Israel), You are my servant; I chose you and didn’t reject you.” ~ Isaiah 41:9b (CEB)

God’s gifts and God’s call are under full warranty—never canceled, never rescinded. ~ Romans 11:29 (MSG)

KEY IDEA:

God never cancels his invitation to live as his blessed people.

PRAYER:

Lord, I am so grateful for your invitation to become a part of your people through faith in Christ Jesus. Thank you for not changing your mind even when I mess up. I still want to be a part of your group. And I am totally relying on your faithfulness. Help me to trust you even more. I want to use the gifts that you have given to me and the call that you have extended to me to serve you. Amen.