Confidence

God makes his people strong.
God gives his people peace.
~ Psalm 29:11 (MSG)

The confidence with which Peter and John spoke caught the Ruling Council by surprise. They had assumed that they were uneducated and inexperienced. But they came to realize that they had been apprenticed by Jesus. ~ Acts 4:13 (ABP)

SUMMARY SENTENCE

God equips his people to carry out the assignments he gives them.

PRAYER

Thank you, God, for empowering me to share your message with others. I wish that I was as confident as the apostles. I can get too caught up in the moment and lose track of you and how you work. Grant me consistent confidence so that I can stand in front of unbelievers and boldly explain the good news of Jesus and his kingdom. Amen.

Stories

Generation after generation stands in awe of your work; each one tells stories of your mighty acts. ~ Psalm 145:4 (MSG)

All of this has been done for you, so that more and more people will know how kind God is and will praise and honor him. ~ 2 Corinthians 4:15 (CEV)

SUMMARY SENTENCE

The story of God's kindness goes on and on with infinite impact.

PRAYER

Powerful God, thank you for investing in me. I don't really feel worthy of your attention but you are kind to me. I have a tendency to keep all of this inside me -- even though I know that this is the type of thing that needs to be shared. Help me to figure out appropriate times and places to share the stories of your kindness. I'm going to join with the storytellers from all generations who declare how awesome you are. In Jesus' name, amen.

Our good place

You've found your safe place by setting up house with the High God. ~ Psalm 91:9 (ABP)

With that kind of hope to excite us, nothing holds us back. ~ 2 Corinthians 3:12 (MSG)

SUMMARY SENTENCE

We're in a good place with God.

PRAYER

Holy God, when I am mindful of your presence, I am so strong and confident. I could easily surrender my life and treasure. Alas, I confess I am mostly aware of myself and all that concerns me. Teach me to hope in your infinite grace, and to act wih your infinite love, in Jesus' name. Amen. (Daily Texts, Mount Carmel Ministries edition)