Righteousness

The Lord always does right and wants justice done. Everyone who does right will see his face. ~ Psalm 11:7 (CEV)

“In a word, what I’m saying is, Grow up. You’re kingdom subjects. Now live like it. Live out your God-created identity. Live generously and graciously toward others, the way God lives toward you.” ~ Matthew 5:48 (MSG)

KEY IDEA:

Our God-created identity revolves around living out his righteousness.

PRAYER:

God of perfection, thank you for your Son who entered into the sinful imperfection of this world. I am sorry for the ways I have rebelled against you. I have no rightful claim to your righteousness. Forgive me, Lord. Perfect me by your grace. Help me love righteousness and live righteously, that others might come to know the Father. Amen. (Daily Texts, Mount Carmel Ministries edition)

Treating the poor right

This is what the Lord says: Be fair-minded and just. Do what is right! Help those who have been robbed; rescue them from their oppressors. Quit your evil deeds! Do not mistreat foreigners, orphans, and widows. Stop murdering the innocent! ~ Jeremiah 22:3 (NLT)

So live your life as children of light. Light produces fruit that consists of every sort of goodness, justice, and truth. ~ Ephesians 5:8-9 (CEB)

KEY IDEA:

If we are truly connected to the Lord we will be passionate about living out goodness, justice, and truth.

PRAYER:

Lord, thank you for being good, just, and true. Forgive me for not embracing those values with the same passion you bring to the world through our Savior Jesus. Help me to become more Christ-like in my concern for the disenfranchised and dislocated people in the world. You love them as much as you love me. I am going to love them, too. Amen.

Christ-defined life

I am a loyal friend to all who honor the Lord God, and who follow his instructions. ~ Psalm 119:63 (ABP)

Let the message about Christ, in all its richness, fill your lives. Teach and counsel each other with all the wisdom he gives. ~ Colossians 3:16a (NLT)

KEY IDEA:

Let the message of Christ define your life.

PRAYER:

Lord, I am grateful that you have become a constant companion. Even so, I fail to value your friendship. Stick with me so that my life is reshaped according to the plan spelled out in your instructions. I want to become a wise person whose life is totally defined by your message. Amen.

Celebrate!

I’m celebrating your rescue. ~ Psalm 13:5 (MSG)

If you are having trouble, you should pray. And if you are feeling good, you should sing praises. ~ James 5:13 (CEV)

KEY IDEA:

When things are going well it is important to celebrate with praise for God.

PRAYER:

Lord, I am praising you today because so many things are going well. Forgive me for holding back my praise and thanksgiving because I tend to focus on the things which are not going right. Help me to refocus so that you always receive the praise to which you are due. I'm going to celebrate your rescue. Amen.