Champion runner

Let all who seek God’s help be encouraged. ~ Psalm 69:32b (NLT)

And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us. We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith. ~ Hebrews 12:1b-2a (NLT)

KEY IDEA: Don't give up and quit. Instead be encouraged to continue by keeping your eyes firmly fixed on Jesus.

Lord Jesus, you are the champion runner. You didn't give up but ran the whole race so that we could enjoy the prize of new life with you. I don't have the stamina I should have. I give up too easily. But I am in training so that I can run the whole race and into your waiting arms. Thank you for cheering me on. Amen.

Serve and honor

“Israel, you are my servant; and because of you I will be highly honored.” ~ Isaiah 49:3 (CEV)

God hasn’t rejected his people, whom he knew in advance. ~ Romans 11:2 (CEB)

KEY IDEA: We are God's people, chosen to bring honor to him.

Lord,

THANKS: I'm grateful that you know me and that you have given me the opportunity to serve you.

REGRETS: I spend too much of my time and energy trying to serve myself. I am too willing to accept honor that belongs only to you.

INTERCESSION: Give me the grace to keep your honor as my main concern.

PURPOSE: I'm trusting you to empower me to serve you.

Amen.

Jesus, the suffering servant

And because of his experience, my righteous servant will make it possible for he will bear all their sins. ~ Isaiah 53:11 (NLT)

For the Human One didn’t come to be served but rather to serve and to give his life to liberate many people. ~ Mark 10:45 (CEB)

KEY IDEA: Jesus served us by sacrificing his life to liberate us.

Lord, thank you for sacrificing your life so that we can live in freedom. Forgive me for not taking full advantage of that freedom -- and for even abusing it. Help me to exercise my freedom in a way that mimics your service. I want to be like you so that when people see me they are drawn to you. Amen.

Faithful God

All Saints Day

For he stands beside the needy, ready to save them from those who condemn them. ~ Psalm 109:31 (NLT)

Jesus is not ashamed to call them his brothers and sisters. ~ Hebrews 2:11

KEY IDEA: Jesus cares for us as loyal brothers and sisters advocate for each other.

Lord,

THANKS: Thank you for sticking closer than a faithful brother. 

REGRETS: But I still panic when trouble comes. I feel like I have to work out solutions. And not all those solutions are healthy or consistent with your agenda or way of doing things.

INTERCESSION: Please continue to remind me of your faithfulness so I can be calm and make wise decisions.

PURPOSE: I'm going to rely on you to be there for me.

Amen.