Overcoming

I am the one who cut a path through the mighty ocean. ~ Isaiah 43:16 (CEV)

Be brave when you face your enemies. Your courage will show them that they are going to be destroyed, and it will show you that you will be saved. God will make all of this happen... ~ Philippians 1:28 (CEV) 

KEY IDEA:

God overcomes the major obstacles.

PRAYER:

Leading God, you have brought your people through far worse than I am facing today. Why, then am I afraid? Train my eyes to not see the rising floodwaters around me, but to see the world through the gracious waters of baptism. Give me courage to love those who seem to be my enemies, turning us into friends. Amen. (Daily Texts, Mount Carmel Ministries edition)

God's gift of a clean slate

I will rescue a few people from Israel and Judah. I will forgive them so completely that their sin and guilt will disappear, never to be found. ~ Jeremiah 50:20 (CEV)

And in addition to everything else, we are happy because God sent our Lord Jesus Christ to make peace with us. ~ Romans 5:11 (CEV)

KEY IDEA:

Through Christ God gives us a clean slate -- a fresh start -- a restored relationship with him.

PRAYER:

Generous God, thank you for your forgiveness. I appreciate the fresh start that you have given to us. This is important news. Help me to share it. It makes me especially happy when I'm able to introduce God's peace to other people. Amen.

Ongoing blessings

The Seventh Sunday after Epiphany

Our Lord, I will sing of your love forever. Everyone yet to be born will hear me praise your faithfulness. ~ Psalm 89:1 (CEV)

We have received one ongoing blessing after another from the Son of God's ginormous tank of grace. ~ John 1:16 (ABP)

KEY IDEA:

Praise God without ceasing, for his blessings never cease.

PRAYER:

Kind Lord, I will never stop praising you because you just keep on pouring blessings out on me. I've been so incredibly blessed, yet I can be a grumpy complainer -- which makes no sense what-so-ever. Help me to break loose from this unhealthy pattern so that I can more fully give myself over to praising you forever. Amen.

Healing and restoration

“The time will come,” says the Lord, “when the grain and grapes will grow faster than they can be harvested. Then the terraced vineyards on the hills of Israel will drip with sweet wine! I will bring my exiled people of Israel back from distant lands, and they will rebuild their ruined cities and live in them again. They will plant vineyards and gardens; they will eat their crops and drink their wine." ~ Amos 9:13-14 (NLT)

John wrote: The angel showed me a river that was crystal clear, and its waters gave life. The river came from the throne where God and the Lamb were seated. Then it flowed down the middle of the city’s main street. On each side of the river are trees[a] that grow a different kind of fruit each month of the year. The fruit gives life, and the leaves are used as medicine to heal the nations. ~ Revelation 22:1-2 (CEV) 

KEY IDEA:

The Lord promises healing and restoration.

PRAYER:

Lord, you have made it clear that the healing and restoration of the people aligned with you is a high priority. Please forgive me for making such matters a low priority. Align my goals with your agenda. Might your Kingdom come and your will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Amen.