God of grace and mercy

Forget each wrong I did when I was young. Show how truly kind you are and remember me. ~ Psalm 25:7 (CEV)

However, God is rich in mercy. He brought us to life with Christ while we were dead as a result of those things that we did wrong. He did this because of the great love that he has for us. You are saved by God’s grace! ~ Ephesians 2:4-5 (CEB)

KEY IDEA:

In his grace God acts mercifully toward us.

PRAYER:

Your grace and mercy, O God, are precious gifts. When I am wrong, please be merciful to me. When I turn in the right direction, let your grace sustain me. Assure me of your love, even in my failures, and enable me to more graciously love and forgive others. Thanks and praise are yours, God of grace and mercy. Amen. (Daily Texts, Mount Carmel Ministries edition)

God's ways

Your people say, ‘The Lord's ways are not fair. He's not treating us right.’ But the fact is that it's YOUR ways that are unfair and you are the ones abusing the Lord! ~ Ezekiel 33:17 (ABP)

Jesus says: ‘If you really love me you will do what I say to do.’ ~ John 14:15 (ABP)

KEY IDEA:

Those who love the Lord will prioritize Jesus' agenda over their own -- even when they feel that their own way makes more sense.

PRAYER:

Lord, I've got a lot that I want to accomplish in life and I can't seem to get on top of it all. I was hoping that you could help me meet my goals. Instead, I am learning that you have a completely different agenda for me. So, not only am I not meeting my goals but I am having to learn your goals -- and your counterintuitive way of meeting them. Help me to come to grips with my disappointment and as I mature to embrace YOUR agenda and methods. As I grow it is becoming clearer that your ways are actually the preferred ways. Amen.

The Lord is present

The Third Sunday in Lent

O Lord, I am terribly abused. Please come and help me. ~ Isaiah 38:14 (CEV)

Jesus went home with Peter and saw Peter’s mother-in-law lying in bed with a fever. He touched her hand, and the fever left her. Then she got up and served them. ~ Matthew 8:14-15 (CEB)

KEY IDEA:

Jesus goes to those who need his help.

PRAYER:

Lord, you are so generous with your attention! Sometimes I feel overwhelmed by my circumstances. Help me to relax in the knowledge of your presence. I am looking forward to serving you more. Amen!

The right race

You guide me with your advice, and later you will receive me in honor. ~ Psalm 73:24 (NCV)

Paul wrote: I’ve run hard right to the finish, believed all the way. All that’s left now is the shouting—God’s applause! Depend on it, he’s an honest judge. He’ll do right not only by me, but by everyone eager for his coming. ~ 2 Timothy 4:7-8 (MSG)

KEY IDEA:

Run the right race for the right prize.

PRAYER:

Lord, thank you for being an honest judge. You are a straight shooter. When it comes to overseeing the race of life your judgment is impeccable. I confess, though, that I spend way too much of life in the wrong competition. And I try to impress the wrong judge. Lord, give me a fresh vision of what the race is really all about. I want to run for the honors that you bestow. Amen.