Slack not

You expected much, but received only a little. And when you brought it home, I made that little disappear. Why have I done this? It’s because you hurry off to build your own houses while my temple is still in ruins. ~ Haggai 1:9 (CEV)

Never give up. Eagerly follow the Holy Spirit and serve the Lord. ~ Romans 12:11 (CEV)

KEY IDEA:

When it comes to serving the Lord don't slack off.

PRAYER:

Creator God, you have called us all to a beautiful and expansive life of grace, fellowship, and service. I confess I sometimes prefer a narrower, more comfortable life. Open my heart to enter the spacious realm for which you called me into being -- the fullness of life in Christ's amazing love. Amen. (Daily Texts, Mount Carmel Ministries edition)

God cares

God raises the poor from the dust. ~ 1 Samuel 2:8a (CEB)

When the shepherd finds his lost sheep, he is elated and carries it home on his shoulders. ~ Luke 15:5 (ABP)

KEY IDEA:

God cares immensely about those who are on the outs.

PRAYER:

Dear God, you are amazing. You care about us when we're lost or down and out. I don't even begin to grasp how amazing that is. Perhaps that's because I allow my troubles to swallow me. Free me to enjoy the ride home on your shoulders. I'm going to celebrate your amazing care. Amen.

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.