Mercy

God is fair and just; He corrects the misdirected, Sends them in the right direction. ~ Psalm 25:8 (MSG)

At that point Peter got up the nerve to ask, “Master, how many times do I forgive a brother or sister who hurts me? Seven?”

Jesus replied, “Seven! Hardly. Try seventy times seven. ~ Matthew 18:21-22 (MSG)

KEY IDEA:

God's "fairness" is loaded with mercy.

PRAYER:

Gracious God, thank you for the kind and understanding way that you treat me. I confess, though, that I am not known for my own kindness and understanding. I have failed to catch this approach and I'm still disposed to ask how much I need to forgive. Redirect me and my life so that I am all about extending your mercy to everyone around me. I am going to live a Jesus-defined life characterized by mercy. Amen.

Jesus is Lord

I myself made the earth, and created humans upon it. My own hands stretched out the heavens. I commanded all their forces. ~ Isaiah 45:12 (CEB)

Through his power all things were made—things in heaven and on earth, things seen and unseen, all powers, authorities, lords, and rulers. All things were made through Christ and for Christ. ~ Colossians 1:16 (NCV)

KEY IDEA:

Christ the creator is sovereign over his creation.

PRAYER:

Creator God, Christ Jesus is Lord over all. That is reasurring. Forgive me for panicking when the crazies get so much attention. I need help in learning to relax in your sovereignty. I am not going to let the world rattle me. Amen.

Protector

God says, "I will stand guard to protect my temple from those who come to attack." ~ Zechariah 9:8 (CEV)

Jesus to Peter: And I’ll build my church on this rock. The gates of the underworld won’t be able to stand against it. ~ Matthew 16:18 (CEB)

KEY IDEA:

Because of the way that he protects his ground, ultimately God prevails -- even against death.

PRAYER:

God, I am so frustrated by how often death seems to have the upper hand -- even in the church where we seem hell-bent on hurting each other. I confess my discouragement and pain. Refresh my faith so that the enemy no longer consumes my thinking and energy. I'm going to trust your protective presence and your experience in pain management to restore my confidence in your victory. Thank you for caring so much. Amen.

Hope for the future

My soul waits for the Lord's action -- yes, even more so than the soldier standing night watch waits for the dawn. ~ Psalm 130:6 (ABP)

But you, dear friends, carefully build yourselves up in this most holy faith by praying in the Holy Spirit, staying right at the center of God’s love, keeping your arms open and outstretched, ready for the mercy of our Master, Jesus Christ. This is the unending life, the real life! ~ Jude 1:20-2l (MSG)

KEY IDEA:

Don't waiver in your hope of a future designed and managed by God.

PRAYER:

I wait on you, Heavenly Father. With the psalmist, I admit that waiting takes endurance and patience. I often move with bold carelessness, leaving faith behind and making decisions that lead to a mountaintop without a sunrise. Keep me inclined toward the Holy Spirit's leading, where my future is secure. Amen. (Daily Texts, Mount Carmel Ministries edition)