The Daily Texts 2016

FOREWORD

You will be like a well-watered garden, like a spring whose waters never fail. Isaiah 58:11

In the midst of hopelessness, God promises to be our guide, satisfy our needs and strengthen us like a spring that never goes dry. God’s desire is to sustain us physically and spiritually so that we produce spiritual fruit that serves as a beacon to the world, pointing others to a loving, heavenly Father.

When you use the Daily Texts, you join together with the Christian community worldwide, a connection which bridges across cultures, nations, and languages. By asking the four T.R.I.P.© questions of the biblical texts, you become a well-watered garden and a blessing to others.

To help you be a blessing, over twenty friends of this ministry have written daily prayers based on the T.R.I.P.© method. Additional resources like hymns, the Shepherd’s Voice, and Lectio Divina help deepen your devotional life and draw you closer to God.

May the living waters of Jesus renew and refresh you on your journey, bringing you into God’s eternal river of love, his wellspring that will never run dry.

Pastor Dan Baker

MOUNT CARMEL MINISTRIES

800 Mount Carmel Drive NE

PO Box 579

Alexandria, MN 56308

320-846-2744 or 1-800-793-4311

fax 320-846-0067

www.MountCarmelMinistries.com

info@MountCarmelMinistries.com

FRIDAY, JANUARY 1 – O give thanks to the Lord of lords, who alone does great wonders, for his steadfast love endures forever. Psalm 136:3-4

Now to him who by the power at work within us is able to accomplish abundantly far more than all we can ask or imagine, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever. Amen. Ephesians 3:20-21

Wonderful God, from the beginning of time you have loved life into being. Thank you for creating me and all that exists. This new year, give me new ears! Help me to hear your voice again and again, as you make all things new in Christ Jesus. Amen.

Genesis 1,2; Matthew 1 ✛ Psalm 1; Genesis 1:1-2:3; Matthew 1:1-17

SATURDAY, JANUARY 2 – He guides me along the right paths for his name’s sake. Psalm 23:3 (NIV)

My sheep hear my voice. I know them, and they follow me. John 10:27

Jesus, you are my Good Shepherd. Forgive me when I turn my back on you and seek to go it alone. Thank you for calling me back to your side. Thank you for going into the thickets to rescue me and pull me out with your forgiveness. And thank you for taking my wounds and healing me. Amen.

Genesis 3,4,5; Matthew 2 ✛ Psalm 2; Genesis 2:4-25; Matthew 1:18-25

Second Sunday after Christmas

Watchword for the Week – God has made known to us the mystery of his will, according to his good pleasure that he set forth in Christ. Ephesians 1:9

Jeremiah 31:7-14; Psalm 147:12-20; Ephesians 1:3-14; John 1:(1-9), 10-18

Hymn

What child is this, who laid to rest,

On Mary’s lap is sleeping?

Whom angels greet with anthems sweet

While shepherds watch are keeping?

This, this is Christ the king,

Whom shepherds guard and angels sing

Haste, haste to bring him laud,

The babe the son of Mary!

So bring him incense, gold, and myrrh;

Come peasant king to own him.

The King of kings salvation brings

Let loving hearts enthrone him.

Raise, raise the song on high

The virgin sings her lullaby;

Joy, joy for Christ is born,

The babe, the son of Mary!

William C. Dix

SUNDAY, JANUARY 3 – O come, let us worship and bow down, let us kneel before the Lord, our Maker! Psalm 95:6

He called you out of darkness into his marvelous light. 1 Peter 2:9

Lord, this morning I tumble out of bed and fall to my knees to worship you. I have awakened from darkness and am delighted by your redeeming light. Thank you for waking me up to worship you. Your goodness is greater than my biggest dreams, and I bask in the light of your redeeming love. Amen.

MONDAY, JANUARY 4 – Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my thoughts. See if there is any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting. Psalm 139:23-24

Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. Ephesians 3:17

Lord God, I confess that too often I live my life like a closed book, keeping my secrets hidden within the pages of my heart. In your mercy, crack me open. Look at my record. Erase my faults so they do not control me. Let Christ rewrite my day so I may live out of the overflow of your grace. Amen.

Genesis 6,7,8; Matthew 3 ✛ Psalm 3; Genesis 3, 4; Matthew 2:1-12

TUESDAY, JANUARY 5 – Satisfy us early with your mercy that we may rejoice and be glad all our days! Psalm 90:14 (NKJV)

All the people would get up early in the morning to listen to him in the temple. Luke 21:38

Thank you, Jesus, for your wisdom. It is the sunrise that pours light onto my landscape. Forgive me when I rush into the day and take for granted your renewing word. Like a mourning dove, let my voice call out with songs of praise. This day you make me glad. Amen.

Genesis 9,10,11; Matthew 4 ✛ Psalm 4; Genesis 5; Matthew 2:13-23

EPIPHANY OF THE LORD

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 6 – The heavens are yours, the earth also is yours; the world and all that is in it—you have founded them. The north and the south—you created them. Psalm 89:11-12

In Christ all things in heaven and on earth were created, things visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or powers—all things have been created through him and for him. Colossians 1:16

O Lord, you are at the center of all things. You surround and hold the universe together. Thank you for the gravity of your grace that keeps me from spinning out of control. Thank you for your embrace of truth that holds all things in your heart. Amen.

Genesis 12,13,14; Matthew 5:1-26 ✛ Psalm 5; Genesis 6:1-7;10; Matthew 3

THURSDAY, JANUARY 7 – All the nations you have made shall come and bow down before you, O Lord, and shall glorify your name. Psalm 86:9

The grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation to all. Titus 2:11

Lord Jesus, lead me in the way of salvation. You have accomplished what we cannot. You have given yourself as our gift. Bend my soul toward your wounded hands and feet. Help me kneel beneath your foot-washing hands. You have given me words that free my mouth to sing and tell others of your amazing grace. Amen.

Genesis 15,16,17,18; Matthew 5:27-48 ✛ Psalm 6; Genesis 7:11-8:22; Matthew 4:1-11

FRIDAY, JANUARY 8 – Break up your fallow ground; for it is time to seek the Lord until He comes to rain righteousness on you. Hosea 10:12 (NASB)

Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your minds, so that you may discern what is the will of God—what is good and acceptable and perfect. Romans 12:2

Lord Jesus, forgive me. Why do I think I can find myself by looking within my heart? My best attempts are only sandcastles. Your word comes like a seed planted deep within my soul, and your Spirit rains life to unlock my purpose in life: to bear fruit—abundant, generous, and good! Amen.

Genesis 19,20,21,22; Matthew 6,7 ✛ Psalm 7:1-9; Genesis 9; Matthew 4:12-25

SATURDAY, JANUARY 9 – The Lord is a stronghold for the oppressed, a stronghold in times of trouble. Psalm 9:9

I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities for the sake of Christ. 2 Corinthians 12:10

Lord, these two things I have learned: life is not fair, and you are faithful. And then I forget these lessons and complain. Thank you, that in the midst of hardships and headaches you make a way through. I am grateful for your constant protection and your unwavering patience. Hold my hand and guide me into the world today. Amen.

Genesis 23,24; Matthew 8 ✛ Psalm 7:10-17; Genesis 10:1-11:9; Matthew 5:1-16

First Sunday after the Epiphany

Watchword for the Week – Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name, you are mine. Isaiah 43:1

Isaiah 43:1-7; Psalm 29; Acts 8:14-17; Luke 3:15-17, 21-22

Hymn

I will come to you in the silence,

I will lift you from all your fear.

You will hear my voice, I claim you as my choice.

Be still and know I am here.

I am hope for all who are hopeless,

I am eyes for all who long to see.

In the shadows of the night,

I will be your light. Come and rest in me.

Refrain: Do not be afraid I am with you.

I have called you each by name.

Come and follow me, I will bring you home;

I love you and you are mine.

I am strength for all the despairing,

Healing for the ones who dwell in shame.

All the blind will see, the lame will all run free,

And all will know my name. Refrain

I am the word that leads all to freedom,

I am the peace the world cannot give.

I will call your name, embracing all your pain.

Stand up, now walk and live! Refrain

David Haas You Are Mine by David Haas

Copyright © 1991 by GIA Publications, Inc., www.giamusic.com All rights reserved. Used by permission.

SUNDAY, JANUARY 10 – I will remove the heart of stone from their flesh and give them a heart of flesh, so that they may follow my statutes and keep my ordinances and obey them. Ezekiel 11:19-20

If anyone is in Christ, there is a new creation: everything old has passed away; see, everything has become new! 2 Corinthians 5:17

Lord Jesus, you have looked at the condition of my heart and have seen the blockage that has built up in me. Perform your surgery. Let me receive your living heart in my chest. Then I can run and sing and celebrate with abandon. Then I will serve you by serving others with your love. Amen.

MONDAY, JANUARY 11 – Take delight in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart. Psalm 37:4

Whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours. Mark 11:24

Thank you, Lord, for speaking into my life. Even before I utter my prayers you are there in the alphabet of my heart. Forgive me for editing your Spirit with my emotions. Today I am bold to say, Thank you! Forgive me! Send me! and I am yours! Amen.

Genesis 25,26; Matthew 9:1-17 ✛ Psalm 8; Genesis 11:10-12:9; Matthew 5:17-26

TUESDAY, JANUARY 12 – One who rules over people justly, ruling in the fear of God, is like the light of morning, like the sun rising on a cloudless morning. 2 Samuel 23:3-4

Keep watch over yourselves and over all the flock, of which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers. Acts 20:28

God, you create order out of chaos, light from darkness. Today, help me to be aligned with you in my words and actions. Forgive my clouded vision and foggy feelings. Rule over my desires and decisions so that they bring you into clarity. Let me live and lead in the hope you have instilled within me. Amen.

Genesis 27,28; Matthew 9:18-38 ✛ Psalm 9:1-10; Genesis 12:10-13:18; Matthew 5:27-42

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 13 – I will be with them in trouble, I will rescue them and honor them. Psalm 91:15

Jesus might free those who all their lives were held in slavery by the fear of death. Hebrews 2:15

Lord, let me die to my fear of death, for it is only in dying that we are raised to life again. Snatch me from the bondage of trying to be in control of everything and everyone, for this exhausts me. Instead let me accept your embrace of grace. Thank you, for you deliver me from my fear and you open my eyes to see you. Amen.

Genesis 29,30; Matthew 10:1-23 ✛ Psalm 9:11-20; Genesis 14–15; Matthew 5:43-6:4

THURSDAY, JANUARY 14 – No inhabitant will say, I am sick; the people who live there will be forgiven their iniquity. Isaiah 33:24

Jesus said to the paralytic, Son, your sins are forgiven. Mark 2:5

Lord Jesus, thank you for opening a space in my sheltered existence. You broke through with your healing touch and restored our friendship. You removed others who crowd me and keep me from reaching you. Help me be a friend to someone who needs to be reformed through your reconciling touch. Amen.

Genesis 31,32,33,34; Matthew 10:24-42 ✛ Psalm 10:1-11; Genesis 16–17; Matthew 6:5-18

FRIDAY, JANUARY 15 – You know me, O Lord; you see me; and you examine my heart’s attitude toward you. Jeremiah 12:3 (NASB)

Do not pronounce judgment before the time, before the Lord comes, who will bring to light the things now hidden in darkness and will disclose the purposes of the heart. Then each one will receive commendation from God. 1 Corinthians 4:5

Like a good doctor, Lord, you know the condition of my heart. You see the blockages caused by sin, especially the plaque of pride. Restore unto me a clean heart. Help me exercise my faith today, the best remedy for a child of God. Let me breathe deeply with the sounds of praise and words of thanksgiving. Amen.

Genesis 35,36,37; Matthew 11,12:1-21 ✛ Psalm 10:12-18; Genesis 18; Matthew 6:19-34

SATURDAY, JANUARY 16 – You shall have no other gods before me. Exodus 20:3

No one can serve two masters. Matthew 6:24

Okay, God, I admit it. Once again I’ve tried to be Number 1. I try to make others like me, love me, or somehow make me feel good. But it doesn’t work. On bended knee I ask your forgiveness. Lead me today so I may serve you and find the freedom of serving others. Amen.

Genesis 38,39,40; Matthew 12:22-50 ✛ Psalm 11; Genesis 19:1-29; Matthew 7:1-12

Second Sunday after the Epiphany

Watchword for the Week – Now there are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit; and there are varieties of services, but the same Lord. 1 Corinthians 12:4-5

Isaiah 62:1-5; Psalm 36:5-10; 1 Corinthians 12:1-11; John 2:1-11

Hymn

Holy Spirit, ever dwelling in the holiest realms of light;

Holy Spirit, ever brooding o’er a world of gloom and night;

Holy Spirit, ever raising those of earth to thrones on high

Living, life-imparting Spirit, you we praise and magnify.

Holy Spirit, ever living as the church’s very life;

Holy Spirit, ever striving through us in a ceaseless strife;

Holy Spirit, ever forming in the church the mind of Christ:

You we praise with endless worship for your gifts and fruits unpriced.

Holy Spirit, ever working through the church’s ministry;

Quickening, strengthening, and absolving, setting captive

sinners free; Holy Spirit, ever binding age to age and soul to soul

In communion never ending, you we worship and extol.

Timothy Rees

SUNDAY, JANUARY 17 – My people shall be satisfied with my bounty, says the Lord. Jeremiah 31:14

God is able to provide you with every blessing in abundance, so that by always having enough of everything, you may share abundantly in every good work. 2 Corinthians 9:8

God of everlasting abundance, you are my God and I am your child. You surround me every day with your goodness, yet I continue to choose things and situations that do not last. As a result, I am never satisfied. May I live differently today as you fill me with every blessing in abundance. Amen.

MONDAY, JANUARY 18 – The Lord makes a way in the sea, a path in the mighty waters. Isaiah 43:16

Do not fear, only believe. Mark 5:36

Holy One, you promise new things to those who believe in you. When I am overwhelmed by the fear of death and the terrors of the night, you are always there, ready to lift me up out of my fears. You place me once again on solid ground. Heal my unbelief. Show me the way to your everlasting truth. Amen.

Genesis 41; Matthew13:1-32 ✛ Psalm 12; Genesis 19:30-20:18; Matthew 7:13-23

TUESDAY, JANUARY 19 – Do not put the Lord your God to the test. Deuteronomy 6:16

If you love me, you will keep my commandments. John 14:15

Father in heaven, your Spirit dwells with me forever. Yet I have a problem: my heart is attached to this world instead of you. Forgive me. Give me a heart like Moses, a heart to fear the Lord and a desire to guard and keep your commandments. Empower me to become a living witness to your truth. Amen.

Genesis 42,43; Matthew 13:33-58 ✛ Psalm 13; Genesis 21; Matthew 7:24-8:4