God provides

Don’t disappoint any of your worshipers, but disappoint all deceitful liars. ~ Psalm 25:3 (CEV)

Paul writes: ...we had no rest. We found trouble all around us. We had fighting on the outside and fear on the inside. But God, who comforts those who are troubled, comforted us when Titus came. ~ 2 Corinthians 7:5-6 (NCV)

KEY IDEA:

God comes through and makes sure that his people have just what they need.

PRAYER:

God, you love us so much that you provide exactly what we need. But we mostly feel cheated when we don't get what we think we need. Help me to rest in your wisdom and love. I'm going to eliminate my disappointing thoughts. I recognize that you alone know what you are doing. Amen.

Trials

And so I will purify the hearts of my people just as gold is purified in a furnace. ~ Jeremiah 9:7(CEV)

God blesses those who patiently endure testing and temptation. Afterward they will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him. ~ James 1:12 (NLT)

KEY IDEA:

Those who remain faithful through the hard times will be amply rewarded.

PRAYER:

God, your Son was faithful through the greatest test of all time. Because of his trailblazing experience we can be faithful through trying times, too. Yet, we fail way too often. It's like we are oblivious to the significance of what we're going through. We are inclined to complain about how unfair and painful the situation is. So I would ask that you would take my hand and walk me through the trials and temptations - just as you are inclined to do. I'm going to come out on the other side with a strong and robust faith. Amen.

Undivided attention

Epiphany

God says, "I wish my people would listen to me..." ~ Psalm 81:13 (NCV)

God has shown us how kind he is by coming to save all people. He taught us to give up our wicked ways and our worldly desires and to live decent and honest lives in this world. ~ Titus 2:11-12 (CEV)

KEY IDEA:

God is the ONE to whom it is worth listening.

PRAYER:

God, you have revealed your kindness by sending your Son to save us all. But we don't give you the attention you deserve and which would benefit us. We are inclined to listen to all kinds of strange voices. It sure is good that Jesus came to save us. Grant me the gift of selective listening. I want to give him my full and undivided attention. Amen.

Worthy of recognition

I have made a solemn promise, one that won’t be broken: Everyone will bow down and worship me. They will admit that I alone can bring about justice. Everyone who is angry with me will be terribly ashamed and will turn to me. ~ Isaiah 45:23-24 (CEV)

The Master declares, “I’m A to Z. I’m The God Who Is, The God Who Was, and The God About to Arrive. I’m the Sovereign-Strong.” ~ Revelation 1:8 (MSG)

KEY IDEA:

It's time to admit that God alone is worthy of recognition.

PRAYER:

You, God, are the A to Z. You are the beginning and the end. It is all about you! Of course, I'm like all the others who want to make life all about me. Help me to embrace reality so that I can give you appropriate recognition with both my words and actions. Amen!