God's work, God's way

You will go in and take the land from nations that practice magic and witchcraft. But the Lord your God won’t allow you to do those things. ~ Deuteronomy 18:14 (CEV)

Paul writes: We have not stopped praying for you since the first day we heard about you. In fact, we always pray that God will show you everything he wants you to do and that you may have all the wisdom and understanding that his Spirit gives. Then you will live a life that honors the Lord, and you will always please him by doing good deeds. You will come to know God even better. ~ Colossians 1:9-10 (CEV)

KEY IDEA:

The only way to truly serve the Lord is to do things his way.

PRAYER:

Lord, you have shown over and over again that you are the only one worth serving. And that is what I want to do. But I do have a mind of my own and too many times I try to accomplish your goals in my own way. As such it really ends up being about me. Forgive me and continue to realign my heart with yours. I'm going to go about your business in your way. Amen.

Enjoy life

You brought me more happiness than a rich harvest of grain and grapes. ~ Psalm 4:7 (CEV)

Warn the rich people of this world not to be proud or to trust in wealth that is easily lost. Tell them to have faith in God, who is rich and blesses us with everything we need to enjoy life. ~ 1 Timothy 6:17 (CEV)

KEY IDEA:

If you want to really enjoy life, make sure that you are trusting in the God who is reliable and eager to bless.

PRAYER:

Lord, you are eager to bless us so that we can truly enjoy life. But I'm like everyone else -- I tend to trust in things which give temporary and superficial happiness. Intervene in my life and take me to a deeper level which seeks happiness in you and the things which matter to you. I am looking forward to enjoying life in a whole new way. Amen.

No fear

Our God helped us and protected us from enemies and robbers along the way. ~ Ezra 8:31 (NCV)

Jesus says: My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they will never die, and no one can steal them out of my hand. ~ John 10:27-28 (NCV)

KEY IDEA:

God is our protector.

PRAYER:

O God, you have been looking out for your people from day one. You are our protector -- our Savior. I don't understand, though, why I am still afraid. There is so much fear out there. We worry that we'll get sick and die. We worry that someone will be able to treat us unfairly. Save me from these irrational fears and to be able to relax and trust you more. I am going to worry less and spend more of my life enjoying your gifts. Amen.

Reflective living

David prayed: You have done this wonderful thing, and you have let me know about it, because you wanted to keep your promise. ~ 2 Samuel 7:21 (CEV)

God gave us a glimpse of the depths of his love when he sent his only Son into the world with the purpose of sacrificing his life for us. ~ 1 John 4:9 (ABP)

KEY IDEA:

Everything God does reveals his love and faithfulness.

PRAYER:

I am amazed, God, every time that I pause to consider what you have done and how you have done it. You are incredible! My problem is that I don't often pause to consider what you have done and how you have done it. I am not very reflective. Even when I pay attention to a sermon I'm mostly just looking for nuggets of practical advice -- for ways to improve my life. Keep reminding me of what you have done so that I can get my focus off self and onto you -- which is where it needs to be. Amen.