Called and gifted

I heard the voice of the Lord saying, ‘Whom shall I send, and who will go for us? And I said, ‘Here am I; send me!’ ~ Isaiah 6:8 (CEB)

The Spirit has given each of us a special way of serving others. ~ 1 Corinthians 12:7 (CEV)

KEY IDEA: All who make themselves available will be able to serve.

Lord,

THANKS: I am grateful for the opportunity to serve. Otherwise my life would be purposeless.

REGRETS: In spite of my desire to serve, I don't jump at all the opportunities that come my way. And then I jump at some things that turn out to be more about me than you or others.

INTERCESSION: I could use some wisdom so that I can discern when you are calling me to service from when I'm just overly eager to  jump into things.

PURPOSE: I want to be of genuine service.

Amen.

Acting like the Lord

I am the Lord who acts with kindness, justice, and righteousness in the world... ~ Jeremiah 9:24 (part)(CEB)

Everyone who confesses the Lord’s name must avoid wickedness. ~ 2 Timothy 2:19b (CEB)

KEY IDEA: The Lord wants us to act like him.

Lord, it is obvious that you have your standards for your people. You want us to act like you. I do want to be kind, just, and righteous. But you know that I continually slip in one or more of those areas. And then I slide into "wickedness." Thank you for the forgiveness that Christ brings to my situation. When I fall help me to stand again so that I can continue to pursue kindness, justice, and righteousness. That's my goal in Jesus' name. Amen.

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.