Say something

You are my witnesses, says the Lord... ~ Isaiah 43:10 (CEB)

Then he said, "Go into the world. Go everywhere and announce the Message of God’s good news to one and all." ~ Mark 16:15 (MSG)

SUMMARY SENTENCE

Through your words and actions say something about God's good news.

PRAYER

Lord, I know that I am a witness to one thing or another at every moment. I regret witnessing to the power of fear or greed. By your word and Spirit, re-create my heart today so that I may bear witness to your love for the person in front of me. Help me delight in those you have made. Amen. (Daily Texts, Mount Carmel Ministries edition)

Full of mystery

We’ll never completely understand how God does his miracles. Nor will we really comprehend what he is up to with all of his uncountable surprises. ~ Job 9:10 (ABP)

Then Jesus said, "God’s kingdom is like seed thrown on a field by a man who then goes to bed and forgets about it. The seed sprouts and grows—he has no idea how it happens. The earth does it all without his help: first a green stem of grass, then a bud, then the ripened grain." ~ Mark 6:26-28 (MSG)

SUMMARY SENTENCE

Accept the fact that God and his ways are full of mystery.

PRAYER

Thank you, God, for all that you are doing around me. I confess that I'm so full of myself that I don't even see what you're doing -- let alone begin to understand why. Help me to accept the fact that you are full of unexplainable mystery. I'm going to throw myself into your kingdom, the agenda that Jesus taught, even though I realize that I can't explain it all. Amen.

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)