Tolerance

Then he (Joseph) sent his brothers off. As they left he told them, “Take it easy on the journey; try to get along with each other.” ~ Genesis 45:24 (MSG)

Be tolerant with each other and, if someone has a complaint against anyone, forgive each other. As the Lord forgave you, so also forgive each other. ~ Colossians 3:13 (CEB)

KEY IDEA:

Part of a faith-driven life involves getting along with hard-to-get-along-with people.

PRAYER:

Lord, thank you for putting up with me. I know that I am not easy. And then I struggle to get along with all the annoying people around me. So, I pray that you would give me a massive amount of grace and understanding and patience. I want my life to mirror that of Jesus. Amen.

Attend to the poor

When there is a dispute concerning your poor, don’t tamper with the justice due them. ~ Exodus 23:6 (MSG)

There was once a rich man who wore expensive clothes and every day ate the best food. But a poor beggar named Lazarus was brought to the gate of the rich man’s house. ~ Luke 16:19-20 (CEV)

KEY IDEA:

This year make sure that you notice the poor and see to it that they are treated well.

PRAYER:

Thank you, Lord, for the way that you treat us all fairly. You love the poor as much as the rich. I'm not nearly so loving. I'm inclined to pay attention to only the people who might in some way benefit me. Since the poor are so important to you, I am asking that you would give me eyes to see those in need, a heart to treat them well, and the wisdom to realize the best way to do so. This year I am going to follow Jesus in attending to the needs of the poor. Amen.

Promises

Now, Lord God, keep the promise forever that you made about my family and me, your servant. Do what you have said. ~ 2 Samuel 7:25 (NCV)

For all of God’s promises have been fulfilled in Christ with a resounding “Yes!” And through Christ, our “Amen” (which means “Yes”) ascends to God for his glory. ~ 2 Corinthians 1:20 (NLT)

KEY IDEA:

In Christ all of God's promises are fulfilled -- even exceded.

PRAYER:

Dear God, thank you for keeping your word. I know that I take your promises casually. Help me to see how Christ, who is the fulfillment, can define my life and fill me with with purpose and significance. I trust you. Amen.

Helper

The first Sunday in Christmastide

But God is my helper. The Lord keeps me alive! ~ Psalm 54:4 (NLT)

God is strong and can help you not to fall. He can bring you before his glory without any wrong in you and can give you great joy. He is the only God, the One who saves us. To him be glory, greatness, power, and authority through Jesus Christ our Lord for all time past, now, and forever. Amen. ~ Jude 24-25 (NCV)

KEY IDEA:

The One God, who is wonderful, helps his people survive life.

PRAYER:

Thank you, God, for intervening and saving me when I trip and fall. Help me to make your salvation into the source of my joy. You are my helper and I'm going to happily give you credit for who you are and what you do. Amen.