God remains faithful

THE 3rd SUNDAY IN LENT

My father and mother walked out and left me, but God took me in. ~ Psalm 27:10 (MSG)

We often suffer, but we are never crushed. Even when we don’t know what to do, we never give up. In times of trouble, God is with us, and when we are knocked down, we get up again. ~ 2 Corinthians 4:8-9 (CEV)

KEY IDEA:

God will not abandon us.

PRAYER:

Lord, the world has become a troubling place. And I find it hard to know how much I should trust anyone. There have been some really major deceptions in my lifetime. Please save me from the despair that comes with taking too much on my own shoulders. You, Lord, remain faithful. I'm going to put my faith in you and trust that my faith in you will grow. Amen.

God speaks

LENT

The Spirit came into me as he spoke, and he set me on my feet. I listened carefully to his words. ~ Ezekiel 2:2 (NLT)

The woman said, “I don’t know about that. I do know that the Messiah is coming. When he arrives, we’ll get the whole story.”

“I am he,” said Jesus. “You don’t have to wait any longer or look any further.” ~ John 4:25-23 (MSG)

KEY IDEA:

Jesus is the whole story of God -- in the flesh -- and he has arrived!

PRAYER:

Dear God, thank you for sending Jesus into the world and into my life. I need to listen more carefully to his words. I need help tuning out all the other voices so that I can stand with you. Amen.

Freed from darkness

LENT

He reveals things that are deep and secret; he knows what is hidden in darkness, and he himself is surrounded by light. ~ Daniel 2:22 (GNT)

I am Light that has come into the world so that all who believe in me won’t have to stay any longer in the dark. ~ John 12:46 (MSG)

KEY IDEA:

Jesus is the light who frees us from darkness.

PRAYER:

Lord Jesus, thank you for coming into the world as the light which chases away the darkness. Sometimes, though, I flee after the departing darkness. There is something so familiar about being in darkness -- even though it no longer feels like home. Strengthen my faith in you so that I can always turn my back on the darkness and toward you -- the light. I'm going to be free of darkness. In your name, I pray, Amen.

The path of suffering

LENT

You will show the right path to all who worship you. ~ Proverbs 25:12 (CEV)

For God called you to do good, even if it means suffering, just as Christ suffered for you. He is your example, and you must follow in his steps. ~ 1 Peter 2:21 (NLT)

KEY IDEA:

Those who truly honor the Lord are those who follow in the footsteps of Christ Jesus -- even along the path of suffering.

PRAYER:

Lord Jesus, I am thankful for the sacrifice that you made on our behalf. But frankly, following you along that pathway is a bit stressful for me. I'm interested in the easy way because I'm worried that I would not be able to hold up if I truly followed you. Help me to trust you to show me how to navigate the path of suffering. I'm going to follow in your footsteps -- no matter where you lead. Amen.