Mercy and comfort

When I am overwhelmed, you alone know the way I should turn. ~ Psalm 142:3a (NLT)

Praise God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! The Father is a merciful God, who always gives us comfort. He comforts us when we are in trouble, so that we can share that same comfort with others in trouble. ~ 2 Corinthians 1:3-4 (CEV)

Praise be to you, God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ!

THANKS: I feel like I am invisible to people when I start to have trouble. But you do not turn away. You understand when I'm overwhelmed and you offer comfort to me.

REGRETS: I'm not as smart as some of the people in the Bible who quickly embrace your comfort. Sometimes when I'm in trouble I'm so confused that I don't even see you there helping me. Sorry for ignoring you. But I know that you understand -- even better than I.

INTERCESSION: Please give me the kind of eyesight I need in order to be able to see that you are present and with me in troubling times. Save me from discouragement.

PURPOSE: I'm not only going to receive your comfort but I am going to look for ways to pass that comfort on to other people in their difficult times.

Amen.

Scandal

You set a table for me right in front of my enemies. You bathe my head in oil; my cup is so full it spills over! ~ Psalm 23:5 (CEB)

Jesus was in Bethany. He was at the table in the home of Simon, who had a skin disease. A woman came with a special sealed jar. It contained very expensive perfume made out of pure nard. She broke the jar open and poured the perfume on Jesus’ head.

Some of the people there became angry. They said to one another, “Why waste this perfume?...

“Leave her alone,” Jesus said. “Why are you bothering her? She has done a beautiful thing to me. ~ Mark 14:3-4, 6 (NIRV)

Indeed, Lord Jesus, the festive table was set for you as your enemies looked on. They couldn't believe that you might be so anointed -- and by a woman! What a scandal! I confess that I worry too much over the appearance of scandal. I want to associate with good and proper people because that makes me look good and proper. But I need to get beyond what is culturally accepted. I need you to make me more like Jesus -- willing to eat and fellowship with "unclean" diseased people -- people everyone else considers lower caste. I desire to become extravagant in my worship of you. I'm going to move forward assuming that you will change me into such a person -- a person who is made in your image. Amen.

Talking about Jesus

Then I will proclaim your justice, and I will praise you all day long. ~ Psalm 35:28 (NLT)

Anna never left the Temple but worshiped God, going without food and praying day and night. Standing there at that time, she thanked God and spoke about Jesus to all who were waiting for God to free Jerusalem. ~ Luke 2:37b-38 (CEV)

Dear Lord, you are righteous and just. You deserve all honor and recognition for your kindness.

THANKS: Thank you for keeping your promises. I'm eager for you to make things right in this troubled world.

REGRETS: Sometimes I'm shy when it comes to talking about you. I'm afraid that I will say the wrong thing.

INTERCESSION: Through the Holy Spirit give me the right words to say and the sensitivity for when to say them. 

PURPOSE: I want to talk about Jesus to whoever will listen.

Amen.

Patient faith

The 18th Sunday after Pentecost

Later the Lord spoke to Abram in a vision, “Abram, don’t be afraid! I will protect you and reward you greatly.” ~ Genesis 15:1 (CEV)

Abraham was patient while he waited. Then he received what God promised him. ~ Hebrews 6:15 (NIRV)

Lord, just as you have protected Abram and all the great parents of our faith, so do you continue to protect your people today. Thank you for keeping watch over me. Sometimes I'm afraid for what might happen to me. I don't want to wait. I want easy and quick solutions to the challenges I face.  So, Lord, I am asking for more patience. I want to receive the reward that comes from trusting you over time. Amen.