WAIT FOR IT

PSALM 146:3, 5 (MSG)
Don’t put your life in the hands of experts
who know nothing of life, of salvation life.
Instead, get help from the God of Jacob,
put your hope in GOD and know real blessing!

LUKE 21:19 (MSG)
Staying with it—that’s what is required. Stay with it to the end. You won’t be sorry; you’ll be saved.

SUMMARY SENTENCE
God's good things come to those who patiently wait for him.

PRAYER
Kind God, you are so patient. I confess that I'm not very good at either perseverance or patient. I'm easily distracted by every new thing that comes along. Settle me down so that I can wait things out, trusting in you and your plan. My hope is in you. Amen.

GOD CALLING

1 SAMUEL 3:4 (CEV)
The LORD called out Samuel’s name.“Here I am!” Samuel answered.

ACTS 18:9-10 (CEV)
One night, Paul had a vision, and in it the Lord said, "Don’t be afraid to keep on preaching. Don’t stop! I am with you..."

SUMMARY SENTENCE
When the Lord calls us to do something he'll be there to back us up.

PRAYER
Lord, you are with us and you're not silent. Forgive me when I'm overly cautious about responding to your directions. Give me discerning ears and a bold heart. I am responding to your call -- even now. Amen.

BOLDLY

DANIEL 9:18 (NLT)
We make this plea, not because we deserve help, but because of your mercy.

EPHESIANS 3:12 (CEV)
Christ now gives us courage and confidence, so that we can come to God by faith.

SUMMARY SENTENCE
We trust so much in God's mercy that we're unafraid of presenting our boldest requests to him.

PRAYER
Thank you, God, for listening to us -- even when we ask for the silliest things. You don't show us the door. Forgive me for being timid and afraid that I might offend you. Give me bold faith. I'm going to glory in your mercy. Amen.

ETERNAL WORD

JEREMIAH 31:33 (CEB)
This is the covenant that I will make with the people of Israel after that time, declares the LORD. I will put my Instructions within them and engrave them on their hearts. I will be their God, and they will be my people.

LUKE 21:33 (CEV)
The sky and the earth won’t last forever, but my words will.

SUMMARY SENTENCE
We can count on God to keep his word -- the word which he is writing on our hearts.

PRAYER
Heavenly Father, in Jesus you promised to make your home in my heart. But I can still feel lost and alone and wonder where I belong. I forget whose I am and why I'm here. Your words resurrect me and I know I belong to you. May these words be a signpost of your presence for those I meet today. (Daily Texts, Ground Up Grace edition)