Rescue

LENT

We and our ancestors have sinned terribly. ~ Psalm 106:6 (CEV)

Rescue us from the evil one. ~ Matthew 6:13b (CEB)

KEY IDEA:

Since we have gotten too close to the devil we are in need of divine rescue.

PRAYER:

Lord, I am thankful that I have a Savior. I mess up a lot and am in need. So please continue doing what you do. I am counting on you to rescue me and am grateful for the way that your salvation is changing me so that I have less and less in common with the devil. Amen.

Kingdom Foundation

THE 2nd SUNDAY IN LENT

Your kingdom is founded on righteousness and justice; love and faithfulness are shown in all you do. ~ Psalm 89:14 (GNT)

You’re blessed when your commitment to God provokes persecution. The persecution drives you even deeper into God’s kingdom. ~ Matthew 5:10 (MSG)

KEY IDEA:

God's kingdom is built on righteousness and justice; so when we're persecuted for doing the right thing that only strengthens our position in his kingdom.

PRAYER:

Lord, your righteousness and justice are glorious. I get all excited when I see people treated well. But I get discouraged when I see the advocates for your kingdom values treated poorly. Maybe I'm looking at the issue wrong, so I pray that you would clear up in my thinking how I should respond to pushback. I'm grateful for the way that Jesus modeled a response and I want to be like him more than I want to be like anyone or anything else. Amen.

Cleaning house

LENT

Cleanse your heart of evil, Jerusalem, that you may be saved. How long will you entertain your destructive ideas? ~ Jeremiah 4:14 (CEB)

So get rid of all the filth and evil in your lives, and humbly accept the word God has planted in your hearts, for it has the power to save your souls. ~ James 1:21 (NLT)

KEY IDEA:

If we are going to experience the benefits of God's salvation we need to get rid of the things which are contrary to him and his ways.

PRAYER:

Lord, I am grateful for the way that you save us. The salvation of Christ is the most glorious gift. But I realize that I am not fully experiencing what you give. There are things in my life that get in the way of having a fuller experience with you. And I know that I cannot get rid of them on my own. So I am looking to you to clean my house. And I am trusting that you will put things in order so that my life is consistent with you and your ways. Amen.

God responds

LENT

I was a nobody, but I prayed, and the Lord saved me from all my troubles. ~ Psalm 34:6 (CEV)

God blesses those people who grieve. They will find comfort! ~ Matthew 5:4 (CEV) 

KEY IDEA:

God aids the needy who seek his help.

PRAYER:

Thank you, Lord, for your kindness and how you respond to our needs. I get so caught up in my problems that I don't always notice the ways that you are saving me from my troubles. Help me to become more aware and to recognize your saving hand. I want to enjoy the blessing of peace and comfort that you so freely give. Amen.