Got faithfulness?

The 25th Sunday after Pentecost

God will judge everything we do, even what is done in secret, whether good or bad. ~ Ecclesiastes 12:14 (CEV)

But how much of that kind of persistent faith will the Son of Man find on the earth when he returns? ~ Luke 18:8b (MSG)

KEY IDEA: The Lord, looking for faithfulness, will judge everything we do -- even our hidden intentions.

Gracious God, You already know what you'll find on judgment day. I confess that my thoughts and actions are less than pure. Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on me, a sinner. I am trusting in your kindness and grace -- for which I am eternally grateful. I don't want to live in fear of judgment but I do want to live faithfully. Amen.

Hearing

The Lord said: How I wish my people would listen to me! ~ Psalm 81:13a (CEB)

But you must stay deeply rooted and firm in your faith. You must not give up the hope you received when you heard the good news. ~ Colossians 1:23a (CEV)

KEY IDEA: Stick with what you heard.

Lord,

THANKS: Thank you for your message of good news to us. And thank you for continuing to speak to us.

REGRETS: Sometimes when you speak I only hear what I want to hear. I'm too selective. It's not that I dislike you message. Rather I'm too busy listening to other voices -- including my own. I talk too much. I need to listen more to you than I talk -- even to you.

INTERCESSION: Heal my hearing so that I am an enthusiastic listener.

PURPOSE: My goal is to hear and follow your direction so that I become firmly rooted in the good news of Christ Jesus.

Amen.

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.