MISFITS MADE RIGHT

PSALM 14:3 (NLT)
But no, all have turned away;
     all have become corrupt.
No one does good,
     not a single one!

ROMANS 3:22-24 (ABP)
God makes things right between us and himself through the faithfulness of Jesus Christ -- a righteousness which we access as we put our faith in him. It doesn't matter who you are or to which group of people you belong; it's the same for all. Just as all have sinned and fallen short of God’s glorious standards, so is freedom from that sin generously delivered to all by Christ Jesus.

SUMMARY SENTENCE
Even though we're screw-ups, Christ Jesus makes things right between God and us.

PRAYER
We are most thankful, God, for the sacrifice of Christ and the reconciliation which he established. Thank you for including me in your gift. Forgive me for acting as though I'm somehow worthy of your consideration. That mindset tends to make me judgmental and condescending. Help me to humbly accept your gift and to live out my freedom surrounded by all the redeemed misfits of the world. Above all else, I'm going to celebrate the faithfulness of Christ Jesus. Amen.

GOD LIGHTS THE WAY

All Saints Day

PSALM 18:28 (CEB)
You are the one who lights my lamp—
the LORD my God illumines my darkness.

MARK 10:51-52 (MSG)
Jesus said, “What can I do for you?”

The blind man said, “Rabbi, I want to see.”

“On your way,” said Jesus.“Your faith has saved and healed you.”

In that very instant he recovered his sight and followed Jesus down the road.

SUMMARY SENTENCE
We see because God lights the way and opens our eyes.

PRAYER
Thank you so much for your light. Too often I close my eyes and pretend that I can make it on my own. Forgive me for all my tripping. Reorient me so that I'm walking steadily in the light that you provide. I'm going to follow Jesus. Amen.

IN THE MORNING

Reformation Day

PSALM 59:16 (CEB)
But me? I will sing of your strength!
In the morning I will shout out loud
     about your faithful love
          because you have been my stronghold,
          my shelter when I was distraught.

MARK 1:35 (MSG)
While it was still night, way before dawn, he got up and went out to a secluded spot and prayed.

SUMMARY SENTENCE
Start each day celebrating God's provision.

PRAYER
Thank you, God, for taking good care of me -- for sending Jesus to pray for me -- for getting me through the difficult times. I confess that I have struggled with doubts but those morning meetings seem to keep me on track. Help me to stay the course and to start all my days celebrating your faithfulness and love. In the name of Christ Jesus, I pray. Amen.

RHYTHM

EXODUS 34:21 (MSG)
Work six days and rest the seventh.

1 TIMOTHY 4:16 (MSG)
Keep a firm grasp on both your character and your teaching. Don’t be diverted. Just keep at it.

SUMMARY SENTENCE
Maintain a rhythm that keeps sight of what's important to God.

PRAYER
Lord, in these shorter, busier days of fall, I often lose my awareness of your presence. Forgive me for making my tasks the whole picture. Reboot my vision, I want to abide in your promises. Let me rest in you that I might witness to your faithful working in me. Amen. (Daily Texts, Mount Carmel Ministries edition)