Whole world salvation

I invite the whole world to turn to me and be saved. I alone am God! No others are real. ~ Isaiah 45:22 (CEV)

Christ died as the sacrificial means by which our sins are forgiven. And he didn't just die for us! His death canceled out the impact of the sins of everyone in the whole world. ~ 1 John 2:2 (ABP)

KEY IDEA:

Through Christ everyone in the world can be rescued from their sins and sinfulness.

PRAYER:

Lord, my vision is too short. I get excited about how through the cross and resurrection you saved me from my sinfulness. But that's where it ends. I know that Jesus died for the whole world but I act as though he died only for me. Refresh, please, my vision so that I can see the millions who need to hear about how they can experience forgiveness and reconciliation with you through Jesus. I'm going to become a Jesus follower with a vision for the whole world. Amen.

Protector

Because you are my helper, I sing for joy in the shadow of your wings. ~ Psalm 63:7 (NLT)

God’s own Son protects God's children from harm by keeping them out of the devil's reach. ~ 1 John 5:18 (ABP)

KEY IDEA:

God protects us.

PRAYER:

Thank you God, for keeping a close protective eye on me. Sometimes I don't appreciate being watched so closely. I like the feeling of independence. Give me a new appreciation for your care and a willing heart to accept your oversight. I'm going to learn to sing for joy in the shadow of your wings. Amen.

Turn to God

You have rejected me, but when you’re in trouble, you cry to me for help. ~ Jeremiah 2:27b (CEV)

Don’t you know that the reason God is good to you is because he wants you to turn to him? ~ Romans 2:4b (CEV)

KEY IDEA:

Those who recognize God's overwhelming kindness turn to him instead of turning their backs on him.

PRAYER:

Kind and gracious God, you patiently pour out your kindness on undeserving people like me. Yet so often we turn elsewhere to find significance and to deal with the problems that come our way. Could it be that I am covering my eyes so that I don't really see how gracious you are? I need to have a fresh encounter with your grace so that my eyes are more fully opened and I can more completely turn to you. I need to see Jesus. Amen.

Staying power

EASTER MONDAY

I cry out day and night, but you don’t answer, and I can never rest. ~ Psalm 22:2 (CEV)

They begged him, “Stay with us! It’s already late, and the sun is going down.” So Jesus went into the house to stay with them. ~ Luke 24:29 (CEV)

KEY IDEA:

Jesus stays with us during the stressful times.

PRAYER:

Lord Jesus, you cried out in anguish from the cross saying that you felt abandoned. I sometimes feel that way and appreciate that you are human with us in that way. I also appreciate that you are eager to "stay" with us during the stressful times. Help me to turn to you rather than inward into myself when I feel the frustration. For the way of the cross leads to resurrection living. Amen.