Fruitful living

You teach me the way of life. In your presence is total celebration. Beautiful things are always in your right hand. ~ Psalm 16:11 (CEB)

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. There is no law against things like this. ~ Galatians 5:22-23 (CEB)

KEY IDEA:

God himself is the source of a rich, beautiful, and fruitful life.

PRAYER:

Thank you, God, for being so generous with life. All that is worthwhile comes from you. Yet, I continue to pursue fruitfulness in all the wrong places. Help me to set my sights on your kind of fruitfulness. I want to find my joy and satisfaction in my connection with you . Amen.

Even in panic

The Fifth Sunday after Epiphany

Come quickly and help me, my Lord, my salvation! ~ Psalm 38:22 (CEB)

Jesus was sleeping at the back of the boat with his head on a cushion. The disciples woke him up, shouting, “Teacher, don’t you care that we’re going to drown?” ~ Mark 4:38 (NLT)

KEY IDEA:

Sometimes we don't think of asking for God's help until it is a panic situation.

PRAYER:

Lord Jesus -- Savior, thank you for responding to my cries for help even when they come at the last desperate minute. It's so tempting to rely on my own ability until that no longer seems possible. Prompt me to turn to you early and often so that I can avoid the panic situation. Amen.

Support

You’ve given me the shield of your salvation; your strong hand has supported me; your help has made me great. ~ Psalm 18:35 (CEB)

Finally, be strengthened by the Lord and his powerful strength. ~ Ephesians 6:10 (CEB)

KEY IDEA:

The Lord supports his people.

PRAYER:

Lord God, so much is topsy-turvy but you are the source of stability in my life. I don't lean on you enough because I am easily distracted and so I trip up over and over again. Hold me up even when I am clueless. I want my life to become a testimony to your faithful support. Amen.

Forgiveness

You are merciful, and you treat people better than they deserve. So please forgive these people, just as you have forgiven them ever since they left Egypt. ~ Numbers 14:19 (CEV)

Forgive us for the ways we have wronged you, just as we also forgive those who have wronged us. ~ Matthew 6:12 (CEV)

KEY IDEA:

God's way of doing things involves a heavy dose of forgiveness.

PRAYER:

Thank you, God, for forgiving me. Excuse me for living as though I can do your will and pursue your agenda without forgiving those who oppose it. Help me to so thoroughly embrace your forgiveness that it splatters onto everyone around me. I'm not going to simply receive forgiveness for myself, I am going to offer it to everyone else, too. It's the only way to do your will. Amen.