Mercy

Surround me with your tender mercies so I may live, for your instructions are my delight. ~ Psalm 119:77 (NLT)

Now Simon’s mother-in-law was sick in bed with a high fever. They told Jesus about her right away. So he went to her bedside, took her by the hand, and helped her sit up. Then the fever left her, and she prepared a meal for them. ~ Mark 1:30-31 (NLT)

SUMMARY SENTENCE:

Mercy happens when we make room for God in our lives.

PRAYER:

Loving God, thank you for reaching out to touch me at my point of need. Often I'm in no position to truly respond but you take me by the hand anyway. Help me to sit up and take notice so that I can serve you. Amen.

Graceful

But, our God, you are merciful
   and quick to forgive;
   you are loving, kind,
and very patient.
~ Nehemiah 9:17 (CEV)

If we are not faithful,
   he will still be faithful.
Christ cannot deny
   who he is.
~ 2 Timothy 2:13 (CEV)

SUMMARY SENTENCE:

God can't be anything other than graceful.

PRAYER:

Merciful and kind God, I am the recipient of your grace. Lead me in such a way that I choose to remain faithful to you. I want to be an effective operative of the faithfulness of Christ. I want to be just like him. Amen.

God's guidance

I will lead the blind on roads
   they have never known;
I will guide them on paths
   they have never traveled.
Their road is dark and rough,
   but I will give light
   to keep them from stumbling.
This is my solemn promise.
~ Isaiah 42:16 (CEV)

God’s love and kindness
   will shine upon us
   like the sun that rises
   in the sky.
On us who live
   in the dark shadow
   of death
   this light will shine
   to guide us
   into a life of peace.
~ LUKE 1:78-79 (CEV)

SUMMARY SENTENCE:

God will guide us along new roads when we're too blind to see where we're going.

PRAYER:

Thank you, God, for shining your light on the pathway in front of me. I confess that I get frustrated -- maybe even a little afraid -- when I have to go along new pathways in life. I feel out of control. Help me to chill and take the necessary step forward. I am going to trust that you are there and that you are providing enough light to keep me moving. Amen.

Creater and overlord

God alone stretched out the sky,
   stepped on the sea,
and set the stars in place—
   the Big Dipper and Orion,
   the Pleiades and the stars
   in the southern sky.
~ Job 9:8-9 (CEV)

Christ is exactly like God,
   who cannot be seen.
He is the first-born Son,
   superior to all creation.
Everything was created by him,
   everything in heaven
   and on earth,
everything seen and unseen,
   including all forces
   and powers,
   and all rulers
   and authorities.
All things were created
  by God’s Son,
and everything was made
   for him.
~ Colossians 1:15-16

SUMMARY SENTENCE:

Christ is the creator and overlord above all.

PRAYER:

Creator God, thank you for entering into the creation you painted. Forgive me for my worry over the authority wielded by lesser powers. Help me to stay focused on you and your mission. I know who is in charge. Amen.