Love and fear

The Second Sunday in Eastertide

He guarded his people as the apple of his eye. ~ Deuteronomy 32:10b (NRSV)

Don’t be afraid, little flock, because your Father delights in giving you the kingdom. ~ Luke 12:32 (CEB)

SUMMARY SENTENCE:

God loves us, so we protects us.

PRAYER:

Thank you, God, for the way that you love me. Forgive me for worrying over the circumstances and questioning your care. Help me to begin to wrap my brain around the extent of your love. I'm going to trust you through this difficult time. Amen

The right thing

Storks, doves, swallows,
and thrushes
     all know when it’s time
to fly away for the winter
     and when to come back.
But you, my people,
     don’t know what I demand.
~ Jeremiah 8:7 (CEV)

He gave himself to rescue us from everything that is evil and to make our hearts pure. He wanted us to be his own people and to be eager to do right.~ Titus 2:14 (CEV)

SUMMARY SENTENCE:

Be eager to do what God thinks is the right thing.

PRAYER:

Thank you, God, for the rescue actions carried out by your Son Christ Jesus. Forgive me for allowing darkness back into my life after receiving freedom from it. Continue to purge me and reshape my heart so that I'm eager to do what you think is right. No more excuses. Amen.

Safe space

Be my mighty rock,
     the place
     where I can always run
     for protection.
Save me by your command!
You are my mighty rock
     and my fortress.
~ Psalm 71:3 (CEV)

God’s looking after me, keeping me safe in the kingdom of heaven. All praise to him, praise forever! Oh, yes! ~ 2 Timothy 4:18 (MSG)

SUMMARY SENTENCE:

God himself is our safe space.

PRAYER:

You, God, are the solid high ground above the fray that wears me down. Forgive me for not looking up enough and for thus allowing all the craziness around me to drag me down. Draw me up so that I can see how you are looking after me. I feel safe in your presence. Amen.

Think!

Those who think of themselves as clever and wise are doomed. ~ Isaiah 5:21 (ABP)

But God has given us his Spirit. That’s why we don’t think the same way that the people of this world think. That’s also why we can recognize the blessings that God has given us. ~ 1 Corinthians 2:12 (CEV)

SUMMARY SENTENCE:

God's people think differently about everything.

PRAYER:

Thank you, God, for hitting the refresh button on the world through the actions of Christ. Thank you, too, for the refreshing action of the Holy Spirit in my own life. You have given me a new mind -- although I confess that I don't use it consistently. I'm prone to talk without thinking and when I do think I often mimic the world's pattern of demonizing those whom I don't fully understand. Help me to think like Christ Jesus. I'm going repent of my grumbling in order to recognize the blessings you have given to us. Amen.