FAITHFUL PROMISE-KEEPER

1 KINGS 8:24 (MSG)
You kept your word to David my father, your personal word. You did exactly what you promised—every detail. The proof is before us today!

Keep it up, GOD, O God of Israel! Continue to keep the promises you made to David my father

LUKE 1:68-69 (MSG)
Blessed be the Lord, the God of Israel;
     he came and set his people free.
He set the power of salvation in the center of our lives,
     and in the very house of David his servant,
Just as he promised long ago...

SUMMARY SENTENCE
The arrival of Jesus shows us that God is a faithful promise-keeper.

PRAYER
Faithful God, we live in a world where promises are made to be broken but you are a person of your word. Forgive me for the times when I doubt that things can work out. Lead me back to Jesus who embodies your love and faithfulness. I'm going to live with your promised salvation at the center of my life. Amen.

RIGHTEOUS

ISAIAH 26:9 (CEV)
Throughout the night,
     my heart searches for you,
because your decisions
show everyone on this earth
     how to live right.

2 CORINTHIANS 9:10 (MSG)
This most generous God who gives seed to the farmer that becomes bread for your meals is more than extravagant with you. He gives you something you can then give away, which grows into full-formed lives, robust in God, wealthy in every way, so that you can be generous in every way...

SUMMARY SENTENCE
Get with God 's program because he is forming us into righteous people.

PRAYER
Most generous God, you give us more than enough. Yet, I don't prioritize you or your goals. Change me so that I might become a mature, convinced, and convincing follower of Christ Jesus. Amen.

RESCUED BY THE GREAT GOD

The Third Sunday in Advent

JEREMIAH 10:6 (MSG)
All this is nothing compared to you, O GOD.
You’re wondrously great, famously great.

1 JOHN 4:14 (ABP)
We've seen it and given public testimony regarding the fact that the Father sent the Son to be the world’s savior.

SUMMARY SENTENCE
God is great and without peer -- yet he sent his Son into the world rescue it.

PRAYER
Indeed, God, you are worthy of your fame. You sent your one and only Son into the world to rescue us from the constraints of evil and death. I'm among those set free! Yet, even though you are awesome and I'm free, I don't always live out my freedom. Help me to live consistent with my God-given salvation! And help me to give testimony to this good news. I'm going to live as a freed person. Amen.

MERCY

PSALM 41:4 (CEB)
“Lord, have mercy on me! Heal me because I have sinned against you.”

JAMES 5:15 (NTE)
Faithful prayer will rescue the sick person, and the Lord will raise them up. If they have committed any sin, it will be forgiven them.

SUMMARY SENTENCE
Because God is merciful his restoration is complete, with healing and forgiveness.

PRAYER
Merciful Father, you come to me in the midst of my guilt and shame. Though I am undeserving, in your mercy you deliver me from my sins and restore me to whole living. How can I thank you enough? Nurture in me a loving and forgiving spirit toward those around me. Amen. (Daily Texts, Mount Carmel Ministries edition)