Look at Jesus

Take a good look at my servant. I’m backing him to the hilt. He’s the one I chose, and I couldn’t be more pleased with him. ~ Isaiah 42:1 (MSG)

Jesus: "Good Father, the people of this world don’t know you. But I know you, and my followers know that you sent me." ~ John 17:25

KEY IDEA:

Jesus is the servant sent by God the Father -- who continues to fully support him.

PRAYER:

Good Father, thank you for sending Jesus -- who has been chosen by you to save us from ourselves. I don't know how it is that people don't give him a serious look. Although, I know that even though I am serious about Jesus I can look away at times -- times when I'm being self-serving. So, start with me. Draw my attention back to Jesus so that I can help others take a good look at him, too. Amen.

Love to sinners

I kept saying ‘I’m here, I’m right here’ to a nation that ignored me. I reached out day after day to a people who turned their backs on me, People who make wrong turns, who insist on doing things their own way. ~ Isaiah 65:2 (MSG)

God showed how much he loved us by having Christ die for us, even though we were sinful. ~ Romans 5:8 (CEV)

KEY IDEA:

God reaches out to the people who have turned their backs on him.

PRAYER:

Lord, it sure is good news that you reach out to sinners. I'm one of them. Even though I trust you, I still end up doing things my own way. Don't give up on me. Continue to nudge me to grow in my faith so that I nudge the independent streak out of my life. I love you, Lord, because you first loved me. Amen.

Overcoming suffering

THE FIFTH SUNDAY IN EASTERTIDE

I am yours—save me! ~ Psalm 119:94a (GNT)

The world will make you suffer. But be brave! I have defeated the world!” ~ John 16:33b (GNT)

KEY IDEA:

Jesus has first-hand knowledge of our suffering and has personally overcome it.

PRAYER:

Jesus, my Savior, thank you for words of hope reminding me of your great mission of love. Forgive me for turning my eyes and thoughts toward other promises of security and meaning. Thank you for suffering and understanding the temptations I also encounter, as you win the victory over evil. My life is in you forever. Amen. (Daily Texts, Mount Carmel Ministries edition)

In my heart

“But this is the new covenant I will make with the people of Israel after those days,” says the Lord. “I will put my instructions deep within them, and I will write them on their hearts. I will be their God, and they will be my people...” ~ Jeremiah 31:33 (NLT)

Clearly, you are a letter from Christ showing the result of our ministry among you. This “letter” is written not with pen and ink, but with the Spirit of the living God. It is carved not on tablets of stone, but on human hearts. ~ 2 Corinthians 3:3 (NLT)

KEY IDEA:

The foundation of our relationship with God is spelled out on our hearts.

PRAYER:

Lord, our relationship with you goes beyond a set of rules written out for us. You have planted your expectations deep inside of us so that they are a part of us. Thanks to Christ! Save me from trying to turn your instructions into another set of rules. I want to be able to follow my heart. I'm going to let Christ live in my heart -- today -- and everyday. Amen.