SEEKING

Christmas Eve

PSALM 42:2 (CEB)
My whole being thirsts for God, for the living God.
When will I come and see God’s face?

MATTHEW 2:1-2 (CEB)
After Jesus was born in Bethlehem in the territory of Judea during the rule of King Herod, magi came from the east to Jerusalem. They asked, “Where is the newborn king of the Jews? We’ve seen his star in the east, and we’ve come to honor him.”

SUMMARY SENTENCE
Wise men still seek him.

PRAYER
God, you put yourself out there to be found. But I confess that I am too busy with trivial matters to seek. Help me to see you even in the unimportant and mundane so that I'm motivated to journey even further. I'm seeking Jesus and all that he brings. Amen.

SIMPLE FAITH

PSALM 3:5 (CEB)
I lie down, sleep, and wake up
because the LORD helps me.

MARK 10:15 (CEB)
I assure you that whoever doesn’t welcome God’s kingdom like a child will never enter it.

SUMMARY SENTENCE
Don't make faith overly complicated or you'll miss out.

PRAYER
Thank you, God, for welcoming me into your family -- plain and simple. I confess that I can make this whole faith thing so complex that even I don't know what I'm saying when I talk about it. Refocus my attention on the simplicity of trusting you for each day and night. I pray in the name of my Savior Jesus. Amen.

GOD CONSTANT

PSALM 102:27 (CEV)
You are always the same.
Years cannot change you.

REVELATION 1:8 (CEV)
The Lord God says, “I am Alpha and Omega, the one who is and was and is coming. I am God All-Powerful!”

SUMMARY SENTENCE
God remains the powerful presence he has always been.

PRAYER
Eternal Father, you are the beginning and the end of all existence, wisdom, and power. I rejoice that you are unchanging, ever-faithful, and keep your promises. In this world of turmoil and uncertainty, I cling to you, my rock. I pray that your Holy Spirit would prompt me to tell others of your endless and unconditional love. Amen. (Daily Texts, Mount Carmel Ministries edition)

TALK LESS, DO MORE

ISAIAH 29:13 (MSG)
These people make a big show of saying the right thing,
but their hearts aren’t in it.

1 JOHN 3:18 (CEV)
You show love for others by truly helping them, and not merely by talking about it.

SUMMARY SENTENCE
Legitimate faith is visible through the way we treat others.

PRAYER
God, you are the one worthy of grand worship. And we're good at staging big faith productions. But, apparently you're mostly interested in less grandiose acts of kindness that flow from the heart. Please repair my heart so that I can live with genuine faith. I'm going to talk less and do more, in the name of Jesus. Amen.