Saved

Give up your crooked ways and your evil thoughts. Return to the Lord our God. He will be merciful and forgive your sins. ~ Isaiah 55:7 (CEV)

Later that day Zacchaeus stood up and said to the Lord, “I will give half of my property to the poor. And I will now pay back four times as much to everyone I have ever cheated.”

Jesus said to Zacchaeus, “Today you and your family have been saved..." ~ Luke 19:8-9a (CEV)

KEY IDEA:

Salvation belongs to all who turn from ways that are contrary to God and toward God and his ways.

PRAYER:

Lord Jesus, thank you for the salvation that belongs to all who turn to you. For you have already saved us through the sacrifice of the cross and the glory of the resurrection. I need to live more fully into my salvation. I need to completely turn from everything that you don't like. Keep me motivated and moving your direction. I'm going to enjoy living the life of a saved person. Amen.

Care for others

Do not tell lies about others. ~ Exodus 20:16 (CEV)

My friends, you are spiritual. So if someone is trapped in sin, you should gently lead that person back to the right path. But watch out, and don’t be tempted yourself. ~ Galatians 6:1a (CEV)

KEY IDEA:

Care for others.

PRAYER:

Lord Jesus, you cared so much about us that you left your heavenly home to rescue us from the power of death and sin. Thank you. Even though I really appreciate the way that you care for us I often fail to care about the others in my life. It is so hard to care for them in such a way that they are rescued from whatever their problems are. So, please give me a caring heart. I want to care like you. Amen.

His name

Not to us, Lord, not to us— no, but to your own name give glory because of your loyal love and faithfulness! ~ Psalm 115:1 (CEB)

Our Father who is in heaven, uphold the holiness of your name. ~ Matthew 6:9b (CEB)

KEY IDEA:

Keep recognizing how special God is.

PRAYER:

You Lord -- your name -- is the only one worthy of total recognition. You are so different from all the other powers and powerful wannabes. You are driven by love and faithfulness. You will not let me down. But I get so caught up in trying to make a name for myself that I barely pause to recognize yours. Keep reminding me so that I can uphold the holiness of your name. That's my goal. Amen.

Trusting God and his power

Your reputation is at stake! Don’t quit on us! Don’t walk out and abandon your glorious Temple! ~ Jeremiah 14:21a (MSG)

Paul writes: God chose you, and we keep praying that God will make you worthy of being his people. We pray for God’s power to help you do all the good things that you hope to do and that your faith makes you want to do. ~ 2 Thessalonians 1:11 (CEV)

KEY IDEA:

God's power will help us do what he wants us to do.

PRAYER:

Lord, we are grateful for the way that you are reliable. You stand with us and you give us the power to do everything you want us to do. I admit that I have doubts about my ability to stay faithful to you and your mission. I am easily distracted. Use some of your power to help me overcome the doubts that bother me. I'm going to trust in you and your power. Amen.