Problem-free living?

The 8th Day of Christmas

But you, God, have tested us — you’ve refined us like silver... ~ Psalm 66:10 (CEB)

We know that trouble produces endurance, endurance produces character, and character produces hope. This hope doesn’t put us to shame, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us. ~ Romans 5:3-5 (CEB)

KEY THOUGHT:

God uses the problems we face to mature us as healthy people.

PRAYER:

Lord, thank you for your ongoing involvement in our lives -- even when there are problems. You don't let the troubles go to waste but you use them to form me as the person you want me to become. I confess that I have a hard time seeing this when I'm in the midst of it all. I get impatient and snippy. Please continue to lovingly sand of my rough edges. I'm going to joyfully serve you no matter what comes my way in 2020. Amen.

Integrity

The 7th Day of Christmas

Stay away from making a false charge. ~ Exodus 23:7 (CEB)

From now on, brothers and sisters, if anything is excellent and if anything is admirable, focus your thoughts on these things: all that is true, all that is holy, all that is just, all that is pure, all that is lovely, and all that is worthy of praise. ~ Philippians 4:8 (CEB)

KEY THOUGHTS:

Focus on integrity.

PRAYER:

Lord, you are worthy of praise. I am not -- for sometimes when no one is looking, I cut corners. Help me to focus on the excellence of Christ, realigning my life, so that I become a person of complete integrity and truth. That is my goal. Amen.

Seeds of justice and peace

The 6th Day of Christmas

Everybody here will see that the Lord doesn’t need swords or spears to save his people. ~ 1 Samuel 17:47 (CEV)

Those who make peace sow the seeds of justice by their peaceful acts. ~ James 3:18 (CEB)

KEY THOUGHT:

God's justice is counter-intuitive because it comes through peaceful action.

PRAYER:

Jesus, you are the Prince of Peace. I confess, though, that I give into the temptation to set things right through power and control -- sometimes violent words or actions -- all of which feels justified given the situation. Help me to see how I can make things right by sowing seeds of peace. I need some guidance in adopting this counter-intuitive approach. I'm looking forward to real change -- starting with what you are going to do with me. Amen.

Strength

The First Sunday in Christmastide

Even young people get tired, then stumble and fall. But those who trust the Lord will find new strength. They will be strong like eagles soaring upward on wings; they will walk and run without getting tired. ~ Isaiah 40:30-31 (CEV)

God’s Spirit doesn’t make cowards out of us. The Spirit gives us power, love, and self-control. ~ 2 Timothy 1:7 (CEV)

KEY THOUGHT:

The Spirit gives us the strength to do what needs to be done.

PRAYER:

God, thank you for renewing our strength. I get tired a lot. And even though it makes me prone to falling I push through and try to dig up enough strength on my own to do what needs to be done. Help me to rest and to trust in the strength that you provide. If you haven't given me the strength to do something it doesn't need doing -- at least by me. Amen.