Perspective

God is the one who gives me with strength. ~ Psalm 18:32 (ABP)

Paul writes to Philemon: Every time your name comes up in my prayers, I say, “Oh, thank you, God!” ~ Philemon 4:6 (MSG)

KEY THOUGHT:

God is the one behind all the action.

PRAYER:

Thank you, God, for giving me health and strength to do what needs to be done. Forgive me for the times I think that everything is resting on my shoulders. Grant me eternal perspective so that my prayers are primarily about being thankful for what YOU are doing. Amen.

God is relliable

Let your unfailing love surround us, Lord, for our hope is in you alone. ~ Psalm 33:22 (NLT)

Let’s hold on to the confession of our hope without wavering, because the one who made the promises is reliable. ~ Hebrews 10:23 (CEB)

KEY THOUGHT:

Keep on trusting God for he is reliable.

PRAYER:

Lord, it is really discouraging to have so many unreliable and unfaithful people in positions of leadership. I'm sure that has often been the case throughout history. But I'm having to deal with them now. And it pains me. I know that you are reliable but in the moment I get anxious for us. Help me to trust you. I want to be a witness to your faithfulness. Amen.

Protective wall

The Lord himself has promised to be a protective wall of fire surrounding Jerusalem, and he will be its shining glory in the heart of the city. ~ Zechariah 2:5 (CEV)

What can we say about all this? If God is on our side, can anyone be against us? ~ Romans 8:31 (CEV)

KEY THOUGHT:

God is on the side of his people.

PRAYER:

Almighty God, thank you for watching over me. Forgive me for worrying that problems will overwhelm me. Help me to recognize the many ways that you have put your protective wall around me. I'm going to serve you with a new confidence. Amen.

God's faithfulness

Epiphany

You people of Israel, say, “God pays no attention to us! He doesn’t care if we are treated unjustly.”

But how can you say that? ~ Isaiah 40:27 (CEV)

But the foundation that God has laid is solid. On it is written, “The Lord knows who his people are...” ~ 2 Timothy 2:19 (CEV)

KEY THOUGHT:

God is faithful to his people.

PRAYER:

Ever faithful God, thank you for the people who live into your promises. They exemplify godly living. They surround me with your love. Bless the lonely and forgotten and provide them with a community that upholds them in love. Help me to know how to help those who want to be in your fold, but are floundering. Amen. (Daily Texts, Mount Carmel Ministries edition)