Thank God.

I will thank you, Lord, with all my heart; I will talk about all your wonderful acts. ~ Psalm 9:1 (CEB)

Whatever happens, keep thanking God because of Jesus Christ. This is what God wants you to do. ~ 1 Thessalonians 5:18 (CEV)

SUMMARY SENTENCE

Thank God.

PRAYER

God, thank you for the kindness you extend to us -- especially that which we receive through Christ Jesus. Because of him we are forgiven people. I confess that I can get pretty ho-hum about such a familiar and foundational truth. Stir thankfulness within me so that I am more fully aware of what I've been given and so that I can more faithfully talk about it. I'm going to live a life of gratitude. Amen.

Forgiveness

“Listen to me, you stubborn people
     who are so far from doing right.
For I am ready to set things right,
     not in the distant future, but right now!
I am ready to save Jerusalem
     and show my glory to Israel.
~ Isaiah 46:12-13 (NLT)

God’s readiness to give and forgive is now public. Salvation’s available for everyone! We’re being shown how to turn our backs on a godless, indulgent life, and how to take on a God-filled, God-honoring life. ~ Titus 2:11-12 (MSG)

SUMMARY SENTENCE

God's forgiveness is available to all.

PRAYER

Lord, your gracious forgiveness goes deeper into me than even my own thoughts. I regret I so easily give myself over to stubborn-hearted thinking. I renounce such ways. Teach me to trust your grace, and bring salvation to the needs of my neighbors. Show me how to follow Jesus' leading today. Amen. (Daily Texts, Mount Carmel Ministries edition)

God's attention

The 7th Sunday after Pentecost

Then I ask, “Why do you care
     about us humans?
Why are you concerned
     for us weaklings?”
~ Psalm 8:4 (CEV)

For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago. ~ Ephesians 2:10 (NLT)

SUMMARY SENTENCE

We are important to God.

PRAYER

Thank you, God, for your attention. Christ Jesus showed us how much you care. I confess that I sometimes have a hard time believing that I'm important to you. There is so much to the world that I feel like I'm merely a little tree in a giant forest. Help me to see things from your divine perspective -- at least as much as possible. I'm going to trust that you have a plan for us all and I'm going to focus on living as a significant person according to your will. Amen.

No escape

From the dawn of time, I am the one. No one can escape my power. I act, and who can undo it? ~ Isaiah 43:13 (CEB)

We all must appear before Christ in court... ~ 2 Corinthians 5:10 (CEB)

SUMMARY SENTENCE

There is no escaping God's judgement.

PRAYER

Indeed, you God are the one and only. Thank you for including me in your world. I confess, though, that I think and act as though I am unaccountable to anyone other than myself. Give me a more mature understanding of life so that I can more fully trust in your grace. You have paid all the fines and the fees. I'm going to live in the shadow of that sacrifice. Amen.