You're in good company

He was arrested and sentenced and led off to die, and no one cared about his fate. He was put to death for the sins of our people. ~ Isaiah 53:8 (GNT)

So keep your mind on Jesus, who put up with many insults from sinners. Then you won’t get discouraged and give up. ~ Hebrews 12:3 (CEV)

KEY IDEA:

Don't get discouraged if people oppose you because of your beliefs. You're in good company.

PRAYER:

Dear Jesus, I can barely think about what you went through to win our release. But I am grateful. Help me to overcome the discouragement I experience when people think my faith is too extreme. I'm just going to see it all as a part of walking with you. Amen.

Sin and honor

I must bear the raging of the Lord, for I have sinned against him... ~ Micah 7:9 (CEB)

Be humble in the Lord’s presence, and he will honor you. ~ James 4:10 (CEV)

KEY IDEA:

Acknowledge your failures to the Lord and eventually he'll honor you.

PRAYER:

Lord, it's hard to admit that I sin so much -- that I'm such a failure. I should be further along in my walk with you but I'm not. That is just the reality of the situation. I need your mercy and grace. I thank you for your mercy and grace. And I look forward to the honor of serving you. Amen.

Knowing God

His names will be Wonderful Advisor and Mighty God, Eternal Father and Prince of Peace. ~ Isaiah 9:6 (CEV)

Then Jesus asked them, “But who do you say I am?” ~ Matthew 16:15 (CEV)

KEY IDEA:

Jesus is an awesome mystery -- beyond our ability to totally comprehend.

PRAYER:

Lord, you are the Wonderful Advisor, the Mighty God, Eternal Father, and the Prince of Peace. Forgive me for the times that I think I know what all of that means. But you do seem to want to know occasionally who I think you are. Frankly, my over-confidence in answering reveals more about me than about you. Keep me honest and growing so that I can know you more and more. Amen.

Triumphant, yet, humble

Rejoice, O people of Zion! Shout in triumph, O people of Jerusalem! Look, your king is coming to you. He is righteous and victorious, yet he is humble, riding on a donkey— riding on a donkey’s colt. ~ Zechariah 9:9 (NLT)

That is what the Son of Man has done: He came to serve, not be served—and then to give away his life in exchange for the many who are held hostage. ~ Matthew 20:28 (MSG)

KEY IDEA:

The Lord Jesus is our powerful yet humble Savior.

PRAYER:

Thank you, Lord Jesus, for the sacrifice that rescues us from the forces of evil. That is so mind-boggling -- that you could accomplish all that without the use of force or coersion. I admit that I too often admire and try to imitate the powerful people of the world -- those who seek to get what they understand to be good results through the use of power and control. Guide me deeper into your military strategy so that I can admire and imitate you. Amen.