‭‭Luke‬ ‭1‬:‭78‬ ‭NIV — Because of the tender mercy of our God, by which the rising sun will come to us from heaven.‬‬

Have you ever stopped to think about the tenderness of God? As an earthly parent, relative, or mentor it isn’t always easy to offer tenderness to our children. We have a desire for them to be good humans and to be successful. Although parenting and mentoring are vital, we are human and sometimes can be callous in our words and actions. As I shared earlier, life is messy. 

Perfection isn’t attainable for the parent, mentor, or child. Thankfully we have the perfect example of love and tenderness from our Heavenly Father. Let’s ask God to soften any areas of our hearts that may be calloused. May our example and instruction come from love.

Let’s pray. Dear God, Thank You for Your perfect example of love. Show me any areas of my heart that are calloused. Soften my heart. Help me with any tendencies that are not acceptable to You and give me the tenderness I need. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.

‭‭Exodus‬ ‭4‬:‭13‬ ‭NIV‬‬ — But Moses said, “Pardon your servant, Lord. Please send someone else.”

We have shared a lot recently on how fear can be crippling. We have also shared how important it is to have a relationship with both Christ Jesus and our earthly friends. Do you ever wish you would have said or done something but was too scared to do so? Or maybe you didn’t think you were equipped? 

Today’s verse is just a snippet from the story of Moses and Aaron. You can read the entire passage found in Exodus 4: 1-17. When Moses didn’t think he could speak the words God had given him, God gave him Aaron to help deliver the message. 

Everything we are going through here on Earth is God preparing us for what’s ahead. Whether we say yes or no, God will move on to someone like an Aaron for His plan to be fulfilled. As you think about your “yes”’ and “no” answers, think about how God is getting you ready. Join me in worshiping with the song, “He’s Gettin Me Ready” by Darin and Brooke Aldridge.

Let’s pray. Dear God, Help me turn my wishes into saying yes to Your perfect will. When I say no, give me an Aaron to help deliver Your message. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.

‭‭Deuteronomy‬ ‭32‬:‭2‬ ‭NIV‬‬ — Let my teaching fall like rain and my words descend like dew, like showers on new grass, like abundant rain on tender plants.

So far this week we’ve admitted giving an apology is hard and that we all have messes in our lives. In our key verse, it is refreshing to know that the word of God can make us teachable. In our messes there is a lesson to be learned. Often it is humility. Are you teachable?

We are God’s tender plants. May we always be reachable and teachable. May we always slow down and reflect on teachable moments. Envision God showing you with His love and word. Let’s ask God what areas of our lives need watering.

Let’s pray. Dear God, I desire to be reachable and teachable. Teach me. Shower me. Show me what areas of my life need watering. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen. 

‭‭Psalm‬ ‭40‬:‭16‬-‭17‬ ‭MSG‬‬ — But all who are hunting for You— oh, let them sing and be happy. Let those who know what You’re all about tell the world You’re great and not quitting. And me? I’m a mess. I’m nothing and have nothing: make something of me. You can do it; You’ve got what it takes— but God, don’t put it off.

Life is messy, right? Often we think our stories are messier than others. In reality, we all have messes in our lives. When we are transparent, we learn that we are not alone. I value the close-knit friendships I have, where transparency comes easily. I also value how God can turn my messes into messages for His Glory.

I love The Message version of today’s verse. It comes right out and says, “I’m a mess.” For me and my life, I can relate. How about you? Does your life seem messy? Have you been able to be transparent? Transparency can lead to the healing of our hearts and minds. It also lets others know that they are not alone. Lauren Daigle reminds us in her song that we will “Be Okay.”

Let’s pray. Dear God, Thank You for walking with me through all of life’s messes. Help me be transparent so that I can bring You glory. Remind me to keep looking up and that it will be okay. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.

‭‭Psalm‬ ‭38‬:‭18‬ ‭ESV‬‬ — I confess my iniquity; I am sorry for my sin.

Do you struggle with the words “I am sorry?” We are human so the natural answer is probably a yes. Last week Deborah shared about friendships. Often our closest friends, especially spouses and our children, don’t always get to hear an apology.

In this verse from Psalms iniquity means sinfulness. Although we may not have physically sinned in our relationships, our thoughts may be sinful. Often our thoughts will determine our words and actions. An apology may not solve everything but it is working toward the humility of our hearts and minds. It is also the first step in healing a bruised relationship.

Let’s pray. Dear God, Thank You for the forgiveness we have through Christ Jesus. Give us the humility we need to extend a heartfelt apology when needed. May our thoughts, words, and actions be in line with Your word. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.

Ecclesiastes‬ ‭4‬:‭9‬ ‭NIV‬ — Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor:

Join us as we have a chat together to finish up our week on friends. Click here to watch today’s See You Saturday post.

Ecclesiastes 4:9-10a NIV — Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor; if either of them falls down, one can help the other up.

Today I have two challenges for you. First, reach out in a different and special way to your friends. Make a phone call or send a text letting them know how much your friendship means to you and how much you value them. If you want to be very daring, actually write and mail a note. Take the time and attention to show appreciation to your Earthly friends.

Secondly, I challenge you to reach out in a different and special way to Jesus. Do something different than your normal routine to show appreciation for your friendship with Him. Perhaps, light a candle and speak out loud to Him. Another idea is to choose a special item to represent your friendship with Him and place it in a prominent place or in your line of vision. Each time you glance at the object, whisper a prayer of thanksgiving for His friendship. Whatever you choose to do, be sure to let Jesus know how much you value Him.

Let’s pray. Dear God, Thank You for Your Son, Jesus Christ. Thank You for sending Him to be my friend. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.