RETURN

ZECHARIAH 1:3 (ABP)
GOD, the commander-in-chief of heaven's armies says, "Once you return to me all the benefits of being my people will return to you."

2 PETER 3:9 (ABP)
Some people think that the Lord is slow to do what he has promised. But in fact, he's not as slow as they think. He's actually being very patient, giving everyone the opportunity to turn from the things that are contrary to him and return to him. He doesn't want anyone to get lost in the coming ordeal.

SUMMARY SENTENCE
When we turn back to God we experience all the benefits he has given to us.

PRAYER
Gracious and loving God, you are patient with me beyond reason. I can't imagine how you do it. Forgive me for being so slow to let go of the things that are contrary to you and your ways. Take me by the hand and gently lead me to the safety of your presence. In Jesus' name, I pray, Amen.

THE LORD’S PRAYER
Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your Name, your Kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as in heaven. Give us today our daily bread. Forgive us our sins as we forgive those who sin against us. Save us from the time of trial and deliver us from evil. For the kingdom, the power, and the glory are yours now and forever. Amen.

WITHOUT END

PSALM 102:27 (ABP)
Even though the people and your creation all end up perishing, you, God, are the one who goes on and on without end. You transcend time and decay.

REVELATION 1:4 (NLT)
Grace and peace to you from the one who is, who always was, and who is still to come...

SUMMARY SENTENCE
God transcends time and decay so we should bank with him.

PRAYER
Eternally stable God, I recognize your existence and honor you because of your enduring presence. I admit that I allow myself to get discouraged by the decline of people and institutions in which I have invested portions of my life. Pull me from the muck of discouragement and set me up on the safe place with you. Even though my body is in decline I'm going to spend my life with you. There is a future in your presence so I am not in the least bit worried. Amen.

THE LORD’S PRAYER
Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your Name, your Kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as in heaven. Give us today our daily bread. Forgive us our sins as we forgive those who sin against us. Save us from the time of trial and deliver us from evil. For the kingdom, the power, and the glory are yours now and forever. Amen.

HE WON'T LEAVE YOU STRANDED

JOSHUA 24:17 (CEV)
Even though other nations were all around us, the LORD protected us wherever we went.

MATTHEW 28:20 (MSG/alt)
Jesus then promised, "I’ll be with you as you do this, day after day after day, right up to the end of the age."

SUMMARY SENTENCE
We can move forward in confident obedience because we know that Jesus is with us without fail.

PRAYER
Thank you, God, for calling us to live in service to you. This assignment leads me to worry a bit. I know that your agenda is going to rub some people wrong and that they will be prone to take it out on me. Build up my confidence -- confidence that comes through the moment-by-moment realization that you are here with us. I'm going to move forward recognizing that you are not going to leave me stranded. Amen.

THE LORD’S PRAYER
Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your Name, your Kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as in heaven. Give us today our daily bread. Forgive us our sins as we forgive those who sin against us. Save us from the time of trial and deliver us from evil. For the kingdom, the power, and the glory are yours now and forever. Amen.

SHINING

The Fourth Sunday after Epiphany

PSALM 80:19 (ABP)

O GOD, commander-in-chief of heaven's army, renew our strength. 

Brighten our day with your smile and we will again be safe.

LUKE 1:78-79 (CEV)
God's love and kindness
   will shine upon us
like the sun that rises
   in the sky.
On us who live
   in the dark shadow
      of death
   this light will shine
      to guide us
   into a life of peace.

SUMMARY SENTENCE
God's lovingkindness radiates the blessing that propels us forward.

PRAYER
Gracious God, you blast your people with blessings that keep us moving forward in peace. Pull my head from the sand so that I can see the radiant light you're sending our way. I want to move ahead even during turbulent times. Amen.

THE LORD’S PRAYER
Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your Name, your Kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as in heaven. Give us today our daily bread. Forgive us our sins as we forgive those who sin against us. Save us from the time of trial and deliver us from evil. For the kingdom, the power, and the glory are yours now and forever. Amen.