FREEDOM IN CHRIST

PSALM 106:6 (MSG)
We’ve sinned a lot, both we and our parents;
We’ve fallen short, hurt a lot of people.

TITUS 2:14 (MSG)
Jesus Christ offered himself as a sacrifice to free us from a dark, rebellious life into this good, pure life, making us a people he can be proud of, energetic in goodness.

SUMMARY SENTENCE
Even though we've really messed up, God sent his Son to turn things around for us.

PRAYER
Patient God, you don't leave us to suffer the natural consequences of sin. You have intervened on our behalf -- sacrificing your Son Jesus to free us from the grip of darkness. Yet, I confess that more days than not, I drift back toward the dark side. I'm not totally comfortable there but I still dabble in places best left alone. Guide me back. Restore in me an eagerness to live according to the way of Jesus. I want to make you proud. Amen.

TRUST

JEREMIAH 31:16 (NLT)
“Do not weep any longer,
for I will reward you,” says the Lord.

LUKE 18:7 (NLT)
So don’t you think God will surely give justice to his chosen people who cry out to him day and night?

SUMMARY SENTENCE
Cry out to God for he'll give you the justice you need.

PRAYER
Gracious and attentive God, thank you for caring. Sometimes I allow the things which happen to bring me to tears -- to the point where my faith collapses. Carry me through the tough times. Encourage me so that I can see where things are heading. I'm going to trust in you and your justice. Amen.

PRIORITIZE GOD'S WORD

EXODUS 1:17 (MSG)
But the midwives had far too much respect for God and didn’t do what the king of Egypt ordered; they let the boy babies live.

ACTS 5:29 (NLT)
Peter and the apostles replied, "We must obey God rather than any human authority."

SUMMARY SENTENCE
Our first priority is to live according to God's directives.

PRAYER
Thank you, God, for your message that comes to us through the Bible. I confess that I tend to take it all in and weigh your Word as one of the many directives that come my way. Help me to realign my priorities and rethink the way I make decisions. I'm going to live under the authority of your Word alone. Amen.

QUIT WORRYING

PSALM 33:5 (CEV)
He loves justice and fairness,
and he is kind to everyone
everywhere on earth.

MATTHEW 6:25 (CEV)
I tell you not to worry about your life. Don’t worry about having something to eat, drink, or wear. Isn’t life more than food or clothing?

SUMMARY SENTENCE
Quit worrying over your future because God loves to provide.

PRAYER
Generous God, thank you for your eagerness to provide all that we need. I admit that in spite of knowing this I worry over what's going to happen to me and my family. Help me to relax in what I know about you. For you are kind and true to your word. Amen.