Opportunists

Remember the long road on which the Lord your God led you during these forty years in the desert so he could humble you, testing you to find out what was in your heart... ~ Deuteronomy 8:2a CEB)

So be careful to live your life wisely, not foolishly. Take advantage of every opportunity because... ~ Ephesians 5:15-16a (CEB)

KEY IDEA:

Even the hard times are opportunities to grow so the wise thing is to let the Lord lead you through them.

PRAYER:

Thank you, God, for faithfully leading me through the wild places of this life's journey. Forgive me for wasted time and unwise decisions. As I go forth into this day that you have made, keep my eyes trained on you. I may not know where I'm going, but you do. Grant me the carefulness that trusts you. Amen. (Daily Texts, Mount Carmel MInistries edition)

Parental

For the Lord corrects those he loves, just as a father corrects a child in whom he delights. ~ Proverbs 3:12 (NLT)

We didn’t ask for special treatment from people -- not from you or from others -- although we could have thrown our weight around as Christ’s apostles. Instead, we were gentle with you like a nursing mother caring for her own children. We were glad to share not only God’s good news with you but also our very lives because we cared for you so much. ~ 1 Thessalonians 2:6-8 (CEB)

KEY IDEA:

God's way is to gently and firmly care for people -- as parents lovingly care for their children.

PRAYER:

Dear Heavenly Father, thank you for being kind to us. Help me to receive your correction without resentment. Like a child, I often think I know more than I do. Help me to follow the lead of the apostles in imitating your kindness. I'm hoping that people will see your love through how I live. Amen.

Unchangeable

I’ve also concluded that whatever God does, that’s the way it’s going to be, always. No addition, no subtraction. God’s done it and that’s it. That’s so we’ll quit asking questions and simply worship in holy fear. ~ Ecclesiastes 3:14 (MSG)

These are the words of the one who is holy and true, who has the key of David. Whatever he opens, no one will shut; and whatever he shuts, no one opens. ~ Revelation 3:7b (CEB)

KEY IDEA:

What God says and does can't be unsaid or undone by anyone else.

PRAYER:

Lord, you word is true. What you say is what is. You are the final authority. Like most people, though, I am prone to see myself as an authority on a number of things -- especially those that concern my life. Free me from thinking too highly of my own understanding. Help me to lean on your understanding and to pour my energy into honoring you. Amen.

Hardship and Mercy

Our God – the great and mighty and awesome God, keeping covenant and steadfast love – do not treat lightly all the hardship that has come upon us.

“O God, our God, how great you are! How terrifying, how powerful! You faithfully keep your covenant promises... Remember how much we have suffered! ~ Nehemiah 9:32 (GNT)

Bartimaeus cried: “Son of David, have mercy on me!”

When Jesus heard him, he stopped and said, “Tell him to come here.” So they called the blind man. “Cheer up,” they said. “Come on, he’s calling you!” ~ Mark 10:48b-49 (NLT)

KEY IDEA:

We suffer a lot but God is merciful to all who will respond to his calling.

PRAYER:

Thank you, Lord, for calling us to yourself. There is no greater gift than to be with you. There is healing in your presence. Still, I too often try to go it alone -- to tough it out -- to fix the problems myself. It doesn't work but I persist. Free me from my pride and independence. Help me to trust you for healing and restoration. For you are the God who keeps all his promises. You are the God of steadfast love. You are the one I want to be with. Amen.