Salvation

The Second Sunday after the Epiphany

And if wicked people turn from their wickedness, obey the law, and do what is just and right, they will save their lives. ~ Ezekiel 18:27 (NLT)

Paul wrote: “Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners.” This saying is true, and it can be trusted. I was the worst sinner of all! ~ 1 Timothy 1:15 (CEV)

KEY THOUGHT:

Christ has saved us from sin so we should turn away from it.

PRAYER:

Thank you, God, for sending Christ into the world to save even the worst of sinners. We can't be obedient enough to save ourselves so Christ did it for us. Help me to live a life that celebrates this great sacrifice. I want it all to be about him. Amen.

Worthy

There is no other super being -- either in heaven above or here on earth below -- who can do the incredible things you do. You're one of a kind! ~ Deuteronomy 3:24b (ABP)

Everything comes from the Lord. All things were made because of him and will return to him. Praise the Lord forever! Amen. ~ Romans 11:36 (CEV)

KEY THOUGHT:

God is worthy of every honor for her has no peers.

PRAYER:

Glory to you, God most high, for your mighty acts. I see and am grateful for your glory reflected in creation's beauty. Even with your magnificent nature all around, I often focus on what is missing in my life. Open the eyes of my heart to recognize and appreciate your bountiful blessings. Let my living reflect your glory. Amen. (Daily Texts, Mount Carmel Ministries edition)

Problems

So Moses and Aaron went to Pharaoh and said to him, “This is what the Lord, the Hebrews’ God, says: How long will you refuse to respect me? Let my people go so that they can worship me." ~ Exodus 10:3 (CEB)

Stay alert. This is hazardous work I’m assigning you. You’re going to be like sheep running through a wolf pack, so don’t call attention to yourselves. Be as cunning as a snake, inoffensive as a dove. ~ Matthew 10:16 (MSG)

KEY THOUGHT:

A lot of the people we have to deal with when doing the Lord's work don't play nice; but he'll take care of things.

PRAYER:

Lord, thank you for the miraculous ways that you have over the years taken care of your workers. Forgive me for worrying that this time will be different. Recharge my faith so that I can wisely and confidently deal with the problems and problem people. I'm ready for action, in Jesus' name. Amen.

Training

Your love, God, fills the earth! Train me to live by your counsel. ~ Psalm 119:64 (MSG)

Every part of Scripture is God-breathed and useful one way or another—showing us truth, exposing our rebellion, correcting our mistakes, training us to live God’s way. ~ 2 Timothy 3:16 (MSG)

KEY THOUGHT:

God is training us to live his way.

PRAYER:

God, I'm grateful that I'm important enough to you that you want to teach me. I must not be the easiest person to train. I have a lot of my own ideas which need to be unlearned in order to learn your way of doing things. As you train me make the scriptures come alive in my life. Use them to help me unlearn things which are inconsistent with your way. I want to live according to your love. Amen.