God's instructions

The Law of the Lord is perfect; it gives us new life. His teachings last forever, and they give wisdom to ordinary people. ~ Psalm 19:7 (CEV)

The people who obey God’s commands live in God, and God lives in them. We know that God lives in us because of the Spirit God gave us. ~ 1 John 3:24 (NCV)

KEY IDEA:

Gods' life flows into us through his instructions.

PRAYER:

Thank you, God, for sharing your life and wisdom with us. I am slow to adopt your wisdom and that is why my relationship with you is stunted. Please don't give up on me. (I know that you won't.) I want to become more Christ-like even if I have to turn my back on some unhealthy ways of thinking and behaving. I know that I can count on you and your Word to move me forward. Amen.

Trustworthy

Abram believed the Lord, and the Lord was pleased with him. ~ Genesis 15:6 (CEV)

But Abraham never doubted or questioned God’s promise. His faith made him strong, and he gave all the credit to God. Abraham was certain that God could do what he had promised. ~ Romans 4:20b-21 (CEV)

KEY IDEA:

The people who make God happy are those who take him at this word and act accordingly.

PRAYER:

Lord God, there is no one more trustworthy than you. And all you expect of us is that we would trust you through our hearts, minds, and actions. But I can't even get that right. I am so hesitant when it comes to taking risks. I play life too safe because I enjoy the security of what is known. Help me to know you better and trust you more so that I can be as bold as Abraham. Amen.

Hydration

...I have put water in the desert and streams in the wilderness to give water to my people, my chosen ones... ~ Isaiah 43:20b (CEB)

On the last and most important day of the festival, Jesus stood up and shouted, “If you are thirsty, come to me and drink! Have faith in me, and you will have life-giving water flowing from deep inside you, just as the Scriptures say.” John 7:37-38 (CEV)

KEY IDEA:

Jesus is God's life-giving water for spiritually dehydrated people.

PRAYER:

Thank you, God, for refreshing me when I feel spiritually dry. Forgive me for not keeping hydrated enough to stay healthy. Keep the water flowing toward me so that even if I start to forget about drinking I will find myself surrounded by water and will be unabe to ignore it. Amen.

Generous God

The 3rd Sunday in Advent

My wrongdoings are stacked higher than my head; they are a weight that’s way too heavy for me. ~ Psalm 38:4 (CEB)

The angel said to Joseph: Then after Mary's baby is born, name him Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.” ~ Matthew 1:21 (CEV)

KEY IDEA:

Since we can't make things right, God sent Jesus into the world to do it for us.

PRAYER:

Thank you, God, for sending Jesus into the world to relieve us of the heavy load we are carrying. I don't properly acknowledge how big of a Christmas gift that is. I am easily distracted by lesser things -- the lights, the holiday shopping lists, all the parties and Christmas events... Help me to keep the focus on Jesus. Thank you for your generosity. I'm going to mention the birth of Jesus to at least one person today. Amen.