No fear

Our God helped us and protected us from enemies and robbers along the way. ~ Ezra 8:31 (NCV)

Jesus says: My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they will never die, and no one can steal them out of my hand. ~ John 10:27-28 (NCV)

KEY IDEA:

God is our protector.

PRAYER:

O God, you have been looking out for your people from day one. You are our protector -- our Savior. I don't understand, though, why I am still afraid. There is so much fear out there. We worry that we'll get sick and die. We worry that someone will be able to treat us unfairly. Save me from these irrational fears and to be able to relax and trust you more. I am going to worry less and spend more of my life enjoying your gifts. Amen.

Reflective living

David prayed: You have done this wonderful thing, and you have let me know about it, because you wanted to keep your promise. ~ 2 Samuel 7:21 (CEV)

God gave us a glimpse of the depths of his love when he sent his only Son into the world with the purpose of sacrificing his life for us. ~ 1 John 4:9 (ABP)

KEY IDEA:

Everything God does reveals his love and faithfulness.

PRAYER:

I am amazed, God, every time that I pause to consider what you have done and how you have done it. You are incredible! My problem is that I don't often pause to consider what you have done and how you have done it. I am not very reflective. Even when I pay attention to a sermon I'm mostly just looking for nuggets of practical advice -- for ways to improve my life. Keep reminding me of what you have done so that I can get my focus off self and onto you -- which is where it needs to be. Amen.

God provides

Don’t disappoint any of your worshipers, but disappoint all deceitful liars. ~ Psalm 25:3 (CEV)

Paul writes: ...we had no rest. We found trouble all around us. We had fighting on the outside and fear on the inside. But God, who comforts those who are troubled, comforted us when Titus came. ~ 2 Corinthians 7:5-6 (NCV)

KEY IDEA:

God comes through and makes sure that his people have just what they need.

PRAYER:

God, you love us so much that you provide exactly what we need. But we mostly feel cheated when we don't get what we think we need. Help me to rest in your wisdom and love. I'm going to eliminate my disappointing thoughts. I recognize that you alone know what you are doing. Amen.

Trials

And so I will purify the hearts of my people just as gold is purified in a furnace. ~ Jeremiah 9:7(CEV)

God blesses those who patiently endure testing and temptation. Afterward they will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him. ~ James 1:12 (NLT)

KEY IDEA:

Those who remain faithful through the hard times will be amply rewarded.

PRAYER:

God, your Son was faithful through the greatest test of all time. Because of his trailblazing experience we can be faithful through trying times, too. Yet, we fail way too often. It's like we are oblivious to the significance of what we're going through. We are inclined to complain about how unfair and painful the situation is. So I would ask that you would take my hand and walk me through the trials and temptations - just as you are inclined to do. I'm going to come out on the other side with a strong and robust faith. Amen.