Grace

Refresh your memory of us—you bought us a long time ago. Your most precious tribe—you paid a good price for us! ~ Psalm 74:2 (MSG)

You are familiar with the generosity of our Master, Jesus Christ. Rich as he was, he gave it all away for us—in one stroke he became poor and we became rich. ~ 2 Corinthians 8:9 (MSG)

SUMMARY SENTENCE

God paid dearly to rescue us.

PRAYER

Gracious God, thank you for reaching out to us when we were poor and helpless. Thank you for lifting us up at your own expense. Forgive me for acting like I've pulled myself up by my own spiritual bootstraps -- that I've been good enough or active enough to warrant your efforts. Help me to find my full identity in your grace so that I might become a credible witness of what you're up to. Amen.

True happiness

You’re one happy man when you do what’s right, one happy woman when you form the habit of justice. ~ Psalm 106:3 (MSG)

The world and all its wanting, wanting, wanting is on the way out—but whoever does what God wants is set for eternity. ~ 1 John 2:17 (MSG)

SUMMARY SENTENCE

We're fixed for life when we pursue the agenda of God.

PRAYER

O God, it's a joy to know you. You are the one who gives purpose beyond the shallow desires of the world system. But it's hard to break free from the old habits that revolve around serving my desires. Grant me passion for your will and Christ's way of pursuing it. I'm going after true happiness. Amen.

God's steadfast love

You will drain the wealth
     of kings and foreign nations.
You will know that I,
     the mighty Lord God of Israel,
          have saved and rescued you.
~ Isaiah 60:16 (CEV)

Can anything ever separate us from Christ’s love? ~ Romans 8:35 (NLT)

SUMMARY SENTENCE

God's steadfast love meets all our needs.

PRAYER

Steadfast God, nothing can break the grip of your love. You rescue us. You provide more than we need. Yet, we doubt when times get even a little tough. Steady my spirit so that I can lean into you and all that you are doing to take care of us. I'm going to face the challenges ahead with the confidence that comes from the love of Christ. Amen.

Seeds for righteousness

As a garden cascades with blossoms,
So the Master, God, brings righteousness 

     into full bloom and puts praise on display 

     before the nations.
~ Isaiah 61:11 (MSG)

People who work for peace in a peaceful way plant a good crop of right-living. ~ James 3:18 (CEV)

SUMMARY SENTENCE

God grows the seeds of peaceful actions into justice and righteousness.

PRAYER

God, thank you for holding out the hope of a better world. I'm committed to that, although I confess that I don't always work for peace in a peaceful way. I so easily get sucked into the power plays and positioning. Plant whole peace -- the peace that Christ brings to a broken and doomed world -- plant it deep into my heart. I'm going to pursue your agenda in your way. Amen.