HONESTY AND HUMILITY

Because you took seriously the doom of judgment I spoke against this place and people, and because you responded in humble repentance, tearing your robe in dismay and weeping before me, I’m taking you seriously. GOD’s word. ~ 2 Chronicles 34:27 (MSG)

I’m the least important of the apostles. I don’t deserve to be called an apostle, because I harassed God’s church. I am what I am by God’s grace... ~ 1 Corinthians 15:9-10 (CEB)

SUMMARY SENTENCE
We maintain our relationship with God through honesty and humility.

PRAYER
Gracious God, thank you for reaching out to me -- even though I'm not the best version of what I could be. Forgive me for shutting you down through my indifference to what is important to you. Give me the focus and energy to turn from everything that is contrary to you and to find myself completely in your presence. I'm going to savor your grace. In the name of Christ Jesus, my Savior, Amen.

STAY THE COURSE

I was faithful to you when I was suffering... ~ Psalm 116:10 (CEV)

God will bless you, if you don’t give up when your faith is being tested. He will reward you with a glorious life, just as he rewards everyone who loves him. ~ James 1:12 (CEV)

SUMMARY SENTENCE
Stay faithful when the tough times come for your endurance will be properly rewarded.

PRAYER
Thank you, God, for your leadership -- walking us through the minefields we all face. I confess that I get negative when I'm facing hard times. Help me to remain calm and faithful even in my attitude. I'm going to trust that there are blessings at the end because Christ has been faithful. Amen.

EMBRACE TRUTH

Embrace truth! Love peace! ~ Zechariah 8:19 (MSG)

Then you will experience for yourselves the truth, and the truth will free you. ~ John 8:32 (MSG)

SUMMARY SENTENCE
Embrace truth if you want to experience true freedom.

PRAYER
Jesus, you are the way, the truth, and the life. Thank you for revealing what is real to a world that lurks in shadows. Yet, I'm satisfied to merely dabble in truth -- to learn some Bible facts and pontificate on truth without allowing it to fully permeate my life. Forgive my partial commitment to you and your agenda of truth. Refocus my soul -- my eyes, my heart, my spirit, and my mind so that I'm pursuing your truth. I'm going to honestly celebrate the freedom that I have in you. Amen.

SEE JESUS

Keep your Creator in mind while you are young! In years to come, you will be burdened down with troubles and say, “I don’t enjoy life anymore.” ~ Ecclesiastes 12:1 (CEV)

Philip went and found Nathanael and told him, “We’ve found the One Moses wrote of in the Law, the One preached by the prophets. It’s Jesus, Joseph’s son, the one from Nazareth!” Nathanael said, “Nazareth? You’ve got to be kidding.”

But Philip said, “Come, see for yourself.” ~ John 1:45-46 (MSG)

SUMMARY SENTENCE
See for yourself. Look to Jesus.

PRAYER
Lord, I've been looking in all the wrong places. Since the days of my youth, I've expected to find meaning in places of power and glory. But when you came into the world, you made your way through "no account" Nazareth. Forgive me for all the times I've looked down on people or places. Open my eyes to see you. Amen. (Daily Texts, Mount Carmel Ministies edition)