Good Shepherd

I may walk through valleys as dark as death, but I won’t be afraid. You are with me, and your shepherd’s rod makes me feel safe. ~ Psalm 23:4 (CEV)

We share in the terrible sufferings of Christ, but also in the wonderful comfort he gives. ~ 2 Corinthians 1:5 (CEV)

KEY IDEA:

Life is full of dark times but Christ is the shepherdng guide who walks us through them.

PRAYER:

Jesus, Good Shepherd, thank you for getting me through so many difficult situations. But why do I have such a hard time trusting you when a new problem comes? Guide me through my unreasonable ambivalence and flakiness so that I can enjoy the safety that is mine through your sheperding. Amen.

Rejoice in the Lord

... God had made them rejoice with great joy. The women and children also rejoiced, and the sound of the joy in Jerusalem could be heard from far away. ~ Nehemiah 12:43b (CEB)

Paul writes: Celebrate God all day, every day. I mean, revel in him! ~ Philippians 4:4 (MSG)

KEY IDEA:

The Lord God gives his people cause to celebrate all he has done for them.

PRAYER:

Lord, you give us many reasons to be glad if only we pause long enough to consider them. But I tend to focus my attention on the problems that are not yet resolved. So I don't get around to rejoicing because there always seems to be one more unsolved problem. Shut down my fixation on the challenges and focus my attention on what you have done. Perhaps I will find the faith to tackle new problems by celebrating your past victories. Amen.

Jesus is Lord

All Saints’ Day

And when your people meet, I will praise you and thank you, Lord, in front of them all. ~ Psalm 35:18 (CEV)

And to the glory of God the Father everyone will openly agree, “Jesus Christ is Lord!” ~ Philippians 2:11 (CEV)

KEY IDEA:

Eventually it will be clear to all that Jesus is totally in charge.

PRAYER:

Lord, you are sovereign. You have even defeated death through the person and actions of Christ Jesus. But I still worry when the forces who do not yet accept your sovereignty raise their ugly heads. Calm me down and renew my faith so that I can boldly move with you into the future when everyone will declare together that "Jesus is Lord." Amen.

No condemnation

Moses tried to get the Lord God to change his mind: Our Lord, you used your mighty power to bring these people out of Egypt. Now don’t become angry and destroy them. ~ Exodus 32:11 (CEV)

Who then will condemn us? No one—for Christ Jesus died for us and was raised to life for us, and he is sitting in the place of honor at God’s right hand, pleading for us. ~ Romans 8:34 (NLT)

KEY IDEA:

Because of our faith connection with Christ no one can condemn us.

PRAYER:

Thank you, for the freedom from condemnation that belongs to us because of Christ Jesus and what he has done for us. For me it is easy to accept that gift -- except I still accuse and condemn myself. I dwell on my sin and shortcomings. And that keeps me from experiencing the full freedom of Christ. Help me to stop taking myself so seriously. Save me from the conversations that take place in my head. I'm going to put my faith more fully in Christ. Amen.