Big trouble

There is not enough money in the world that you could buy your way free from the Lord's angry response to your despicable rebellion against him. ~ Ezekiel 7:19 (ABP)

He will answer them, ‘I’m telling the solemn truth: Whenever you failed to do one of these things to someone who was being overlooked or ignored, that was me—you failed to do it to me.’ ~ Matthew 25:45 (MSG)

KEY IDEA:

If you fail the Lord you're in big trouble.

PRAYER:

Lord, I confess that I am so caught up in my own world that I don't really see the broken and vulnerable people around me. When I fail in that way, I am failing you. That's a scary thought. If it were not for your grace I would not stand a chance. I want to claim my second chance, though, and use it to turn from rebellion and to serve you -- especially as you show up among the poor. Amen.

God blesses

When the Lord returned the people to Jerusalem after being exiled, everything changed. Their fortunes were restored. It was like they were living in a dream. ~ Psalm 126:1 (ABP)

Very early on the first day of the week, after Jesus had risen to life, he appeared to Mary Magdalene. Earlier he had forced seven demons out of her. She left and told his friends, who were crying and mourning. ~ Mark 16:9-10 (CEV)

KEY IDEA:

Sometimes the good news from God appears to be too good to be true. But it is true.

PRAYER:

Lord, you are full of surprises. You do not abandon your people -- even when we abandon you. You make a way to make things right. Help me to trust you to do that when I start to doubt that things will ever be good again. You are the kind of being who wants to bless people. I'm going to live the dream. Amen.

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.