Masterpiece

Your faithful love, O Lord, endures forever. Don’t abandon me, for you made me. ~ Psalm 138:8 (NLT)

For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago. ~ Ephesians 2:10 (NLT)

Creator God, you made us so that together we can carry out your plan. So, I am confident that you will not abandon us -- or even me. And I'm grateful for that good word. Now, I need to start living as someone who is a part of your masterpiece. I want to up my performance to better reflect your creativity and love. With your assistance I can. Amen.

Serving

“People of Israel, you are my witnesses,” announces the Lord. “I have chosen you to be my servant. ~ Isaiah 43:10 (NIRV)

We are not preaching about ourselves. Our message is that Jesus Christ is Lord. He also sent us to be your servants. ~ 2 Corinthians 4:5 (CEV)

Lord, everyday I am amazed that you would allow us -- allow me -- to serve you. I'm such a screw-up -- full of myself -- full of my own agenda for life. But you still include me. Please raise me up so that I can be a worthy servant. I'm depending on you for even that. But that does uniquely qualify me to be a witness of your grace. That's kind of cool -- that my weaknesses get corralled to further demonstrate that Jesus is Lord. Amen.

Kingdom come

The whole earth will know his true greatness... ~ Micah 5:4 (CEV)

Come and set up your kingdom. ~ Matthew 6:10 (CEV)

Lord,

THANKS: We are waiting for the time when the whole earth will be engulfed in your kingdom. We look forward to a world defined by your justice, compassion, mercy, and sacrifice. Thank you for that future -- even as it starts to unfold now.

REGRETS: I'm too attached to the kingdom of the world -- the ways and things which currently define how things work. 

INTERCESSION: I need to fully give up my attachments to everything except you and your kingdom. I need help doing that.

PURPOSE: I'm going to be a part of the kingdom that you are establishing across all of your creation.

Amen.

The highest knowledge

The 22nd Sunday after Pentecost

Foolish people say in their hearts, “There is no God.” ~ Psalm 14:1 (NIRV)

Eternal life is to know you, the only true God, and to know Jesus Christ, the one you sent. ~ John 17:3 (CEV)

Lord, you exist. You are the one true God. I have no trouble saying that. But too often I make decisions just as though you don't exist. I decide things based on what feels right or what pleases the people who are important to me. I act as though you are not there. But I am eager to correct that fault in me. I know that I can't change apart from you. Help me to know you even more deeply -- even if it is uncomfortable at times -- even if knowing Christ means that others will disapprove of what I'm doing. The highest and most important knowledge is to know you and your Son, Jesus Christ. Amen.