Integrity

Lent

I know, my God, that you examine our hearts and rejoice when you find integrity there. ~ 1 Chronicles 29:17 (NLT)

Love should always make us tell the truth. Then we will grow in every way and be more like Christ, the head... ~ Ephesians 4:15 (CEV)

KEY IDEA:

Integrity and Christ-likeness go together.

PRAYER:

Lord, I'm relieved that you totally understand what is going on in my heart. You know my problems so you can work with them to transform me into a person of integrity. That is what I'm asking you to do. I want to become a totally honest Christ-like person of integrity. And by your grace, it will be so. Amen.

Obedience and Freedom

Ash Wednesday -- the First Day of Lent

Obey me, and I will be your God, and you will be my people. ~ Jeremiah 7:23 (NLT)

Then Jesus turned to the Jews who had claimed to believe in him. “If you stick with this, living out what I tell you, you are my disciples for sure. Then you will experience for yourselves the truth, and the truth will free you.” ~ John 8:31-32 (MSG)

KEY IDEA:

If we persevere in living out what Jesus calls us to do we will experience true freedom.

PRAYER:

Lord Jesus, thank you for the freedom that you give to us. I love you but I also take a lot of short-cuts when it comes to living your way. I realize that this approach eats away at the freedom that you give to your people. Empower me to be a narrowly focused disciple who finds freedom in obeying you. I'm going to live free. Amen.

Gaining God Knowledge

Start with God—the first step in learning is bowing down to God... ~ Proverbs 1:7 (MSG)

Be assured that from the first day we heard of you, we haven’t stopped praying for you, asking God to give you wise minds and spirits attuned to his will, and so acquire a thorough understanding of the ways in which God works. ~ Colossians 1:9 (MSG)

KEY IDEA:

God gives to receptive people a thorough understanding of his ways.

PRAYER:

Lord, thank you for teaching me. You are generous with your wisdom. I, however, am slow to learn. I think it is because I don't feel like I am in a rush. Please grant to me a sense of urgency so that I can develop deep godly wisdom during my life. I want what you want -- that I'd become wise -- filled with the knowledge of Christ. Amen.

Wind and fire

The winds are your messengers, and flames of fire are your servants. ~ Psalm 104:4 (CEV)

Suddenly there was a noise from heaven like the sound of a mighty wind! It filled the house where they were meeting. Then they saw what looked like fiery tongues moving in all directions, and a tongue came and settled on each person there. The Holy Spirit took control of everyone, and they began speaking whatever languages the Spirit let them speak. ~ Acts 2:2-4 (CEV) 

KEY IDEA:

Even the uncontrolable wind and fire serve the Lord.

PRAYER:

Lord, not only are you in charge of the elements but you employ them for your agenda. Forgive me for being slow to acknowledge your out-of-the-ordinary methods. And open my mind and heart to your message. Ultimately it's all good news and I'm going to move with you. Amen.