Blessed

The Second Sunday after the Epiphany

You are my God and protector. Please answer my prayer. I was in terrible distress, but you set me free. Now have pity and listen as I pray. ~ Psalm 4:1 (CEV)

God blesses those people who grieve. They will find comfort! ~ Matthew 5:4 (CEV)

KEY THOUGHT:

God has pity on the broken and needy who look to him.

PRAYER:

You are my God and protector. When things are not going so well I can count on your continued support. Even when I mess up you have pity and listen. I am blessed beyond what I could ever deserve. Amen.

Dawning light

Let’s walk by the Lord’s light. ~ Isaiah 2:5 (CEB)

You know what sort of times we live in, and so you should live properly. It is time to wake up. You know that the day when we will be saved is nearer now than when we first put our faith in the Lord. Night is almost over, and day will soon appear. We must stop behaving as people do in the dark and be ready to live in the light. ~ Romans 13:11-12a (CEV)

KEY THOUGHT:

Since light is going to be the defining reality of the future, it is best to be an early adopter.

PRAYER:

As sure as dawn begins each day, thank you that your light and love provide a new beginning. Wake me from my clouded disposition and foggy thinking. Grant me faith to know that behind the clouds blue skies are near. In Jesus' name, Amen. (Daily Texts, Mount Carmel Ministries edition)

Jesus leads

Why did you disobey me and do such a horrible thing? ~ 2 Samuel 12:9a (CEV)

So we must get rid of everything that slows us down, especially the sin that just won’t let go. And we must be determined to run the race that is ahead of us. We must keep our eyes on Jesus, who leads us and makes our faith complete. ~ Hebrews 12:1-2a (CEV)

KEY THOUGHT:

Do right by keeping your eyes on Jesus, our leader.

PRAYER:

Thank you, God, for sending your Son, Christ Jesus, to not only save us from sin but also to lead us in a new way of living. I confess that I often forget about the second part of what he came to do. I'm complacent knowing that my sins are forgiven. Jog me from such narrow thinking. I'm going to live life the way Jesus leads. Amem.

Powerful shepherd

But the Lord is the one who is marching before you! He is the one who will be with you! He won’t let you down. He won’t abandon you. So don’t be afraid or scared! ~ Deuteronomy 31:8 (CEB)

Jesus said: My sheep listen to my voice. I know them and they follow me. I give them eternal life. They will never die, and no one will snatch them from my hand. ~ John 10:27-28 (CEB)

KEY THOUGHT:

Don't be afraid; you have a powerful shepherd watching over you.

PRAYER:

Thank you, dear God, for leading the way. I'm trying to follow you but I am easily distracted and wander off or fail to keep up. Keep me close to you. I know that things are going to be alright because you are my powerful shepherd. Amen.