Faithful stewards

God, your God, has been right here with you. You haven’t lacked one thing. ~ Deuteronomy 2:7 (MSG)

Now, a person who is put in charge as a manager must be faithful. ~ 1 Corinthians 4:2 (NLT)

SUMMARY SENTENCE:

We are stewards of the many gifts God has entrusted to our care.

PRAYER:

Thank you, God, for entrusting me with so many blessings. Forgive me for mismanaging the kingdom assets put in my care -- the time, the energy, the money... It's not that I'm intentionally trying to shortchange you or anyone else. But I lose focus and my attention drifts in other directions. Renew my call to steward on your behalf all that is in my life. I'm going to live as a faithful manager. Amen.

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.