Wind and fire

The winds are your messengers, and flames of fire are your servants. ~ Psalm 104:4 (CEV)

Suddenly there was a noise from heaven like the sound of a mighty wind! It filled the house where they were meeting. Then they saw what looked like fiery tongues moving in all directions, and a tongue came and settled on each person there. The Holy Spirit took control of everyone, and they began speaking whatever languages the Spirit let them speak. ~ Acts 2:2-4 (CEV) 

KEY IDEA:

Even the uncontrolable wind and fire serve the Lord.

PRAYER:

Lord, not only are you in charge of the elements but you employ them for your agenda. Forgive me for being slow to acknowledge your out-of-the-ordinary methods. And open my mind and heart to your message. Ultimately it's all good news and I'm going to move with you. Amen.

Listening to Jesus

Transfiguration Sunday

Doom to you! You pretend to have the inside track. You shut God out and work behind the scenes, Plotting the future as if you knew everything, acting mysterious, never showing your hand. ~ Isaiah 29:15 (MSG)

Whoever accepts the truth listens to my voice. ~ John 18:37(CEB)

KEY IDEA:

Those who believe in the value of truth will disregard their arrogant impulses and instead listen to Jesus.

PRAYER:

Gracious Jesus, you are the way the truth and the life! Thank you for providing the truth that allows us to live well and move smoothly on the way through life. I accept as truth who you are, what you've done, and what you say. But sometimes my arrogance gets the best of me and I try to plot my own course for life. It's not that I completely ignore you or your truth but I become over-confident of my own abilities to make my way and I sort'a forget that you are talking. Give me ears to hear and a heart to receive your voice. I'm going to let you transform me into an active listener. Amen.

In peace!

God lets you live in peace... ~ Psalm 147:14 (CEV)

The peace that Christ gives is to guide you in the decisions you make; for it is to this peace that God has called you together in the one body. ~ Colossians 3:15 (GNT)

KEY IDEA:

We are called to live out the peace that Christ gives.

PRAYER:

Heavenly Father, I know the form of this world is constantly changing and passing away. Teach me to remain steadfast in your promise of life, so that your peace in my heart may direct my steps to make peace in this world. I ask no greater good than the privilege of serving you in Jesus' name. Amen. (Daily Texts, Mount Carmel Ministries edition)

From God

Victory comes from you, O Lord. May you bless your people. ~ Psalm 3:8 (NLT)

We can only keep on going, after all, by the power of God, who first saved us and then called us to this holy work. We had nothing to do with it. It was all his idea, a gift prepared for us in Jesus long before we knew anything about it. ~ 2 Timothy 1:9 (MSG)

KEY IDEA:

Life in Christ is a gift from him.

PRAYER:

Lord, thank you for being so generous to us. Forgive me for acting like so much rests on my shoulders -- that I have to make it all happen. Help me to understand more about what it means to live in your power and according to your calling. I am going to enjoy living out the calling of a Christ-follower. Amen.