Hydration

...I have put water in the desert and streams in the wilderness to give water to my people, my chosen ones... ~ Isaiah 43:20b (CEB)

On the last and most important day of the festival, Jesus stood up and shouted, “If you are thirsty, come to me and drink! Have faith in me, and you will have life-giving water flowing from deep inside you, just as the Scriptures say.” John 7:37-38 (CEV)

KEY IDEA:

Jesus is God's life-giving water for spiritually dehydrated people.

PRAYER:

Thank you, God, for refreshing me when I feel spiritually dry. Forgive me for not keeping hydrated enough to stay healthy. Keep the water flowing toward me so that even if I start to forget about drinking I will find myself surrounded by water and will be unabe to ignore it. Amen.

Generous God

The 3rd Sunday in Advent

My wrongdoings are stacked higher than my head; they are a weight that’s way too heavy for me. ~ Psalm 38:4 (CEB)

The angel said to Joseph: Then after Mary's baby is born, name him Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.” ~ Matthew 1:21 (CEV)

KEY IDEA:

Since we can't make things right, God sent Jesus into the world to do it for us.

PRAYER:

Thank you, God, for sending Jesus into the world to relieve us of the heavy load we are carrying. I don't properly acknowledge how big of a Christmas gift that is. I am easily distracted by lesser things -- the lights, the holiday shopping lists, all the parties and Christmas events... Help me to keep the focus on Jesus. Thank you for your generosity. I'm going to mention the birth of Jesus to at least one person today. Amen.

Asking

I ask for your help, Lord God, and you will keep me safe. ~ Psalm 55:16

Jesus says: ... When that time comes, you won’t have to ask me about anything. I tell you for certain that the Father will give you whatever you ask for in my name. ~ John 16:23b (CEV)

KEY IDEA:

The Lord cares so much that he anticipates all our needs.

PRAYER:

Lord, I don't have to worry over whether you understand what I really need. But I seem to enjoy fretting over such things. It makes me feel like I'm powerful or could be in control. Correct my misunderstanding and please give me wisdom so that I better know what I should be asking for. My goal is to limit myself to asking for that which is important to you. Amen.

Praise on!

From the rising of the sun until it sets, from the constantly shifting places where it rises and sets, continue on praising God! ~ Psalm 113:3 (ABP)

Praise the Lord,
the God of Israel!
He has come
to save his people.
Our God has given us
a mighty Savior...
~ Luke 1:68-69a (CEV)

KEY IDEA:

Continue praising God because he deserves it!

PRAYER:

Lord, you are worthy of all our constant praise and adoration. And even though we are irregular and half-hearted in how we do that, help us to not give up. You have come to save us from our failures. So even when we are inadequate in what we do we are successful because we are turning to you as Savior. I 'm aiming to make your praise my life's work. Amen.