Eager to obey

The Lord was right, but I refused to obey him. ~ Lamentations 1:18a (CEV)

God gives peace, and he raised our Lord Jesus Christ from death. Now Jesus is like a Great Shepherd whose blood was used to make God’s eternal agreement with his flock. I pray that God will make you ready to obey him and that you will always be eager to do right. May Jesus help you do what pleases God. ~ Hebrews 13:20-21a (CEV)

KEY IDEA:

We are at our best when we're eager to obey God.

PRAYER:

Just yet merciful God, you call us to obey you. It's for our own good and I thank you for your concern. I've been somewhat obedient. But I would not describe myself as "eager to obey." Please show me what that eagerness looks like. In your mercy help me to do what pleases you. I want to become your eager servant. Amen.

Mercy

THE 2nd SUNDAY OF EASTER

God’s messenger called to Hagar from heaven and said to her, “Hagar! What’s wrong? Don’t be afraid. God has heard the boy’s cries over there. Get up, pick up the boy, and take him by the hand because I will make of him a great nation.” ~ Genesis 21:17b-18 (CEB)

Everything then depends on God’s mercy and not on what people want or do. ~ Romans 9:16 (CEV)

KEY IDEA:

Let God's mercy define the way that you approach life.

PRAYER:

Merciful Father, you include all people in your plan of salvation. Forgive my prejudices and inability to love and accept others. I rely on your grace to lead me into relationships that need compassion. Motivate me to be your faithful servant and not live in fear. Amen. (Daily Texts, Mount Carmel Ministries edition)

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.