JUSTICE

JEREMIAH 12:1 (CEB)
If I took you to court, Lord,
you would win.
But I still have questions about your justice.

MATTHEW 20:10-12 (CEV)
The workers who had been hired first thought they would be given more than the others. But when they were given the same, they began complaining to the owner of the vineyard. They said, “The ones who were hired last worked for only one hour. But you paid them the same that you did us. And we worked in the hot sun all day long!”

SUMMARY SENTENCE
Even though we have a hard time understanding God's sense of fairness we need to trust him to make things right in his own way and time.

PRAYER
God, I know that justice is important to you. But I get frustrated when I see all the unfairness in the world and how bad people seem to prosper. Help me to trust you and your timing. I know that you understand the bigger picture better than I, so I'm going to move forward knowing that you'll work things out in your way. Amen.

CONFIDENCE

PSALM 62:6 (ABP)
God alone is the big and mighty rock upon which I'm safe from the battles below. He is the fort in which I feel secure and untouchable.

HEBREWS 12:12-13 (CEV)
Now stand up straight! Stop your knees from shaking and walk a straight path.

SUMMARY SENTENCE
God grants his people confidence in the face of all kinds of trouble.

PRAYER
Rock-solid God, thank you for being my safe place. Forgive me for allowing the worries of this world to drag me down. Sometimes I'm on the verge of panic because of the pandemic and political pandemonium. Save me not just from the craziness but also from my shaky knees. I'm going to hold my head up and walk confidently forward because I know that you're in control. Amen.

SAVING GOD

PSALM 119:94 (MSG)
Save me! I’m all yours.

JOHN 15:7 (CEV)
Stay joined to me and let my teachings become part of you. Then you can pray for whatever you want, and your prayer will be answered.

SUMMARY SENTENCE
When you're connected to God through Christ you have asking-power.

PRAYER
Saving God, rescue me from misuse of wealth, heartless judgments, and ignorant discrimination. Grant me the desire to be steeped in your word and to abide with you in prayer. Teach me, Lord, to learn how to live more generously, lovingly, and inclusively. By loving others wholeheartedly, let my life glorify you. Amen. (Daily Texts, Ground Up Grace edition)

JOY ON THE JOURNEY

Epiphany

PSALM 84:12 (CEB)
LORD of heavenly forces,
     those who trust in you are truly happy!

MATTHEW 2:10-12 (CEB)
When they saw the star, they were filled with joy. They entered the house and saw the child with Mary his mother. Falling to their knees, they honored him.

SUMMARY SENTENCE
The faith-driven journey is filled with true joy.

PRAYER
God of the heavens, I've not been led along by a star but you do lead me in many other ways. Thank you. Sometimes I crave for more dramatic signs. Help me to step forward in faith even when I desire clearer and more certain direction. I'm going to experience the joy that comes with trusting you. Amen.