Justice

Acting with righteousness and justice is more valued by the Lord than sacrifice. ~ Proverbs 21:3 (CEB)

Don’t judge by appearances. Judge by what is right. ~ John 7:24 (CEV)

KEY IDEA:

The Lord expects his people to major in justice and right living.

PRAYER:

Lord, thank you for defining justice as you do. I regret that I'm such a shallow person. Even though I recognize what you expect I'm quick to make decisions about people based on externals -- like whether they attend church enough or use the right Christian words or hang out with decent people. Move me deeper so that I become passionate about what moves you. I'm going to start by looking at what moved Jesus. Amen.

Reoriented

Joshua said, "But you still have some idols, like those the other nations worship." ~ Joshua 24:23 (CEV)

So act like people of the light. ~ Ephesians 5:8b (CEV)

KEY IDEA:

It's time to get rid of the old so you can embrace the new -- the way of the light -- which is the way of Christ.

PRAYER:

Lord, it's so easy to follow the old established patterns -- even if they are unhealthy and relationally destructve. I need help in breaking free so that I can project the light of Christ through my life. I know that you're full of life -- unlike the old idols which are life defeating. So I'm going to trust you to reoreint me in such a way that I am reflecting your lifegiving light. Amen

Receiving the Spirit

The 21st Sunday after Pentecost

But Moses replied, "...I wish the Lord would give his Spirit to all his people so everyone could be a prophet." ~ Numbers 11:29b (CEV)

Then Jesus breathed on his apprentices and said, "Receive the Holy Spirit." ~ John 20:22b (ABP)

KEY IDEA:

Jesus gives the Holy Spirit so that we can deliver God's message with his power.

PRAYER:

Breathe on me, Jesus. I want to be your faithful messenger. Amen.

The Praise Choir

Let’s come before him with thanks! Let’s shout songs of joy to him! The Lord is a great God, the great king over all other gods. ~ Psalm 95:2-3a (CEB)

May the God of endurance and encouragement give you the same attitude toward each other, similar to Christ Jesus’ attitude. That way you can glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ together with one voice. ~ Romans 15:5-6 (CEB)

KEY IDEA:

God is so great that he deserves all our attention.

PRAYER:

Great God, you are worthy of all our attention and all our worship. Yet, you care about me. I'm blown away by your attention and humiliated by the way that I let things distract me from joining the joy chrous that comes together to sing praise to you. Please give me the attitude of Christ and the humility that goes with it. That way I can take my assigned place in the choir. Amen.