GOD IS GREAT!

The Fourth Sunday in Advent

PSALM 40:16 (CEB)
But let all who seek you
celebrate and rejoice in you.
Let those who love your salvation always say,
“The LORD is great!”

EPHESIANS 1:5 (NLT)
God decided in advance to adopt us into his own family by bringing us to himself through Jesus Christ. This is what he wanted to do, and it gave him great pleasure.

SUMMARY SENTENCE
Celebrate what our great God has done for us through Christ Jesus.

PRAYER
Thank you, great God, for adding me into your family. I fail to express my gratitude for your extreme kindness. And I forget to extend similar grace to those around me. Keep reminding me of who I am and I'm sure that eventually I'll get it. A big shout-out to you great God! Amen.

YOUR LIFE

PSALM 139:16 (MSG)
Like an open book, you watched me grow from conception to birth;
all the stages of my life were spread out before you,
The days of my life all prepared
before I’d even lived one day.

LUKE 10:20 (NLT)
Rejoice because your names are registered in heaven.

SUMMARY SENTENCE
Be happy because God has written you into his story.

PRAYER
Almighty God, as you have written out the story of the world you have included me. Thank you. Forgive me for the times when I doubt that what I do really matters. Show me how to live into who I am in your story for this world. I want my life to line up with the character you've designed me to be. Amen.

TURNING

HOSEA 4:1 (CEV)
Israel, listen
     as the Lord accuses
     everyone in the land!
No one is faithful or loyal
     or truly cares about God.

MATTHEW 3:2 (MSG)
“Change your life. God’s kingdom is here.”

SUMMARY SENTENCE
If you're serious about God you'll change the way you think and live.

PRAYER
God, it is hard to believe that you continue to put up with us. We deceive ourselves into thinking that repentance is always about the other guy. But deep inside I know that there are changes that need to happen in my life so that I'm more fully aligned with your kingdom. I'm responsible but feel unable to make the changes. I want to slide over and let you take the steering wheel. Turn the wheel so that I'm moving in your direction. Amen.

LET'S EAT!

JEREMIAH 31:17 (CEB)
There’s hope for your future, declares the LORD.

REVELATION 3:20 (ABP)
Hello! I’m standing out here knocking on your door. Open up and let me into your life. Imagine what it will be like sitting down together for dinner. O, the fellowship so divine!

SUMMARY SENTENCE
Fellowship with God is the hope of our future.

PRAYER
Gracious God, thank you for opening yourself to fellowship with people -- even people who are lukewarm to you. You've come to be with us. I confess that I'm not always quick to get to the door -- to respond to your presence. Forgive me for living a distracted life -- for looking other directions for hope and fellowship. Do come into my life right now -- stay forever. Let's eat! Amen!